Gender Artifactualism

The theory of gender artifactualism sees gender as purely socially constructed, without recognizing that there may be other factors that influence gender (Serano, 119). Consequently, many individuals who believe in gender artifactualism dismiss the feelings of trans people that may identify with a particular gender by stating that those experiences are remnants of the gender system (Serano, 119). Julia Serano, who coined the term, stated that gender artifactualism was insufficient for explaining gender and viewed gender as "an amalgation of bodies, identities, and life experiences, of subconscious urges, sensations, and behaviors, some of which develop organically, and others which are shaped by language and culture" (107). Serano argued instead for a Holistic Approach to gender.