From subjects to subjectivity, or, narrative and discourse in gender identity development

This study is a qualitative research project, the goal of which is to explore the nature of the effect that narrative and discourse may have on the development of an individual's sense of gender identity. In choosing to undertake that course of exploration, it becomes necessary to develop an understanding of what gender really is. What is meant by the term "gender identity?" What could be some of the salient components of a working definition of a notion of a "gendered self?"; In addition, it is necessary to decide upon a set of tools that might be utilized to guide and frame such an analysis. Several theoretical approaches are offered as possible choices for attempting to make sense of a very complex collection of data that is arrayed before us in seemingly confused and dazzling profusion. These theoretical approaches include postmodernism, several forms of feminist theory, deconstruction theory a la Derrida and Lyotard, the work of Michele Foucault, narrative theory, phenomenology, and social constructionism, to name a few.; The question as to how this project would develop and proceed through its procedural stages is a set of questions that is settled by adopting the posture of qualitative research to expand potential insights into the fields of inquiry that include the cognitive arenas of gender and gender identity development.; However, let's be clear; this project is also every bit as much about the experience of utilizing the choice of qualitative research methodology to explore the themes that develop during an examination of these phenomena. What happened during that examination and exploration about gender that had an impact on the nature of the research methodology itself? How did the methodology change? How was the process affected by the inquiry itself? The nature of the data itself has a cybernetic effect upon how it can be analyzed.; In a final analysis, of course, the choice of tools utilized to collect data, the choice of instruments utilized to examine the data, and the choice of methodology utilized to structure the research project all have significant impacts on what is, firstly, chosen to be seen; secondly, how that material is then seen; and thirdly the nature of the insights and deductions that are ultimately developed during the process.; The qualitative aspects of the final results of this project were all determined by an interaction of all these factors. Knowledge and understanding often appear to be simple. Obtaining knowledge and getting one's hands on understanding, however, are not necessarily as clear-cut, as trouble-free, as down-to-earth, or even as uncomplicated as that apparent sense of simplicity would seem to belie. The ability to learn has to be considered to be one of the greatest gifts that life has to offer---even if some of that learning might prove to be dangerous, harmful or detrimental in its realization.; Ultimately, it is learning and adaptation that propels consciousness on its broad trajectory of never ending expansion, evolution and creation. We human beings are simply along for the ride.