Anne Fausto-Sterling

Anne Fausto-Sterling (born July 30, 1944) is a retired professor emerita of Biology and Gender Studies at Brown University. She is known for her work in sexology and for her criticism of the dichotomy of gender, arguing for the complexity of gender and its relation to biology. Fausto-Sterling's research and publications have significantly contributed to the fields of feminism, biology, and gender studies, making her a prominent figure in debates concerning the biology of gender, sexual identity, and the social construction of gender categories.

Biography

Anne Fausto-Sterling was born in 1944. She completed her undergraduate degree in zoology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and earned her Ph.D. in developmental genetics from Brown University. Throughout her career, Fausto-Sterling has focused on bridging the gap between biological sciences and gender studies, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of gender beyond the traditional male/female binary.

Career and Research

Fausto-Sterling's work has been influential in challenging the conventional views on gender and sexuality. Her publications, such as Sexing the Body: Gender Politics and the Construction of Sexuality and Myths of Gender: Biological Theories About Women and Men, critically examine how scientific research is influenced by socio-cultural contexts and how this, in turn, affects our understanding of gender and sexuality.

One of her most cited theories is the concept of the "Five Sexes," in which she argues that the binary classification of sex as either male or female is insufficient to describe the full spectrum of human sexuality. This theory has sparked considerable debate and has encouraged further research into the biology of gender and the social implications of gender categorization.

Impact and Legacy

Fausto-Sterling's work has had a profound impact on the fields of gender studies and biology. By highlighting the interplay between biological factors and social constructs, she has contributed to a broader understanding of gender and sexuality. Her research has paved the way for more inclusive and complex models of gender, influencing both academic research and social policy.

Selected Publications

• Myths of Gender: Biological Theories About Women and Men
• Sexing the Body: Gender Politics and the Construction of Sexuality

See Also

• Gender studies
• Biology
• Feminism
• Sexology