Biology Is Not Binary
By Kate Clancy, Agustin Fuentes, Caroline M VanSickle, Catherine Clune-Taylor
How scientists define sex has evolved over the centuries, and the concept is still incredibly difficult to pin down.
This Article From Issue
March-April 2024
Volume 112, Number 2
Page 78
In the sciences, we talk about sex. The question is, what are we actually talking about when we use that word?
QUICK TAKE
- Sex is not binary. Presenting male and female as the only two possible sex categories ignores the diversity of humans and other organisms, and it erases intersex people.
- Defining sex is difficult because human biology varies widely. Key traits overlap extensively and rarely fall into two discrete types. Ultimately, the definition of sex is culturally constructed.
- A more inclusive definition of sex will deepen our understanding of biological variation. When necessary, scientists should define sex according to their specific research questions.
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