Mankind has strived to understand the factors that shape human behavior. The efforts to understand how human behavior develops have resulted in the nature vs. nurture debate. On one hand of this debate there is a group that believes that the environment in which a child is raised is the primary force that shapes their development. On the other hand, there is a camp that insists that individuals enter the world with their identity already defined. Mankind is not any closer to determining which of these factors is responsible for how individuals develop. The case of Bruce Reimer who was born male but raised as a girl sheds light on the role that nature and nurture play in shaping development. This case is the subject of this paper. Among other things, the paper examines the ethical issues in the case and the particular details surrounding the decision to assign him a different gender identity.
Reasons for raising Bruce as a girl
When it was realized that Bruce’s penis had been burnt beyond repair, the decision was made for her to be raised as a girl. This decision was the result of the influence of Dr. Money. Money believed that Bruce could be assigned a different gender and raised as a girl successfully. One of the reasons that he offered to support his position was that at birth, children are gender neutral (Rolls, 2005). This means that they can be assigned a particular gender and raised accordingly. That some individuals who were born intersex but were later assigned a particular gender and went on to live fulfilling lives is another foundation that Dr. Money based his belief on. He believed that in the same way that these individuals were able to find happiness despite the gender reassignment, it would be possible for Bruce to undergo the reassignment surgery and live happily as a girl (Rolls, 2005).
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Reasons for doubting ‘reassignment’
Milton Diamond is among the individuals who raised doubts regarding the success of gender reassignment. The main reason that he had for doubting that a child who is raised in a fashion that is inconsistent with their biological sex is that gender-specific traits are ingrained into individuals before they are born (Rolls, 2005). He was convinced that nature and not nurture is the chief determinant of gender. The other reason that Milton had was that gender reassignment is a mechanical procedure that does little to change gender identity. He even wondered if chopping off the breasts of a woman would make them male in an effort to highlight the impossibility of changing gender identity through reassignment surgery and raising a child in a sex that is different from their biological sex.
Development of Bruce/Brenda and the social construction vs. biology debate
While it does not settle the debate, the case of Bruce/Brenda sheds light on which between biology and social construction is the stronger force. Considering how Bruce/Brenda developed, it is clear that nature plays a more important role. The parents raised Bruce/Brenda as a girl (Rolls, 2005). They placed him/her on hormone therapy in a bid to promote the development of feminine features. Despite these efforts, Bruce/Brenda still acquired male characteristics and behaviors. For instance, she got into fights and walked like a boy. She refused to play with the toys that she had been assigned and instead used those meant for her brother. When he/she learnt the truth, Bruce/Brenda eventually chose to live as a man. His/her development is clear evidence that biology is the dominant force while social environment splays a secondary role.
Reasons for continued publication of articles touting success
Dr. Money gained recognition and respect when he went public with the news that he had established that gender can be manipulated. His claims stood in sharp contrast to the reality. While he claimed that Bruce had successfully transitioned to a girl, the truth was that as Brenda, he endured hardships. He was unable to perform in school and he was isolated (Rolls, 2005). There are a number of possible reasons why Dr. Money continued to promote the case of Bruce’s gender reassignment as successful. It can be argued that he feared losing credibility. If it were to be found out that Bruce was grappling with challenges, Dr. Money’s reputation would suffer. He would lose the respect and recognition that the case had earned him. Another possible reason is that Dr. Money feared legal action. He was largely responsible for the gender reassignment that caused Bruce to endure suffering. To shield himself from a lawsuit, he chose to continue publishing articles claiming that the case had been successful. It is also possible that financial gain motivated Dr. Money. As already noted, his involvement in the case of Bruce brought him recognition. It is reasonable to assume that this recognition came with some financial reward. To keep the money flowing, Dr. Money must have then decided to keep promoting the case a success despite the fact that Bruce did not want to identify as a girl.
Personal reflection
What happened to Bruce was tragic. Having to live as a girl when he always felt that he was a boy must have been difficult. To cope with his situation, Bruce tried to live as a normal male. He established relationships with girls but was never able to engage in sexual activity (Rolls, 2005). Ultimately, the pain overwhelmed him and he committed suicide. I am not sure that I would be able to display the strength and character that David demonstrated. He sought to warn others about the dangers of gender reassignment. Perhaps the one thing that I would do differently is seek help from mental professionals. I feel that I would be unable to cope alone and that I would need support and guidance from a therapist.
Importance of nature and nurture
It has already been mentioned that the case of Bruce/Brenda sheds light on the issues of nature and nurture and the role that they play in the development of sexual identity. There is no question that this case is evidence that nature is the more dominant force. Bruce was born male and he died male. The gender reassignment, hormone therapy and being raised as a girl did little to change his true identity. Even while being raised as a girl, Bruce always felt that he was male (Rolls, 2005). He urinated while standing and engaged in other activities that are consistent with a male sexual identity. His case makes it clear that a sexual identity cannot be imposed. It should be left to nature to determine an individual’s sexual identity.
Ethics
There are a number of ethical issues in the case of Brenda/June. One of these issues concerns whether it is proper for one human being to determine the fate of another. Bruce’s parents and Dr. Money were the primary parties involved in the decision to raise her as a girl. While his parents meant well, this decision caused devastation. She endured suffering and confusion. When examining this issue, it is important to consider the alternative. The parents could have chosen to let Bruce grow up as a boy. However, he would need to grow without genitalia and it is possible that he would still have endured isolation, suffering and confusion. The case of Bruce/Brenda highlights how complex and difficult the issue of gender identity is. Publishing misleading information and presenting it as credible and accurate is another ethical issue that is evident in the case. Dr. Money violated the ethical principles that demand that professionals uphold integrity and honesty in their conduct.
Conclusion
Gender identity is still a contentious issue. It is still not fully understood how gender identity develops. Is nurture the primary determinant of gender identity or is nature the chief force that shapes how gender identity develops? The case of Bruce/Brenda allows for a better understanding of the role of these forces to be gained. The case also highlights the dangers of gender reassignment and the need for medical professionals to exercise caution. Until a procedure is established to be safe and effective, it should never be applied.
Reference
Rolls, G. (2005). The “Twins” Case: David Reimer, the Boy who was never a Girl. In Classic
Case Studies in Psychology: Third Edition. London: Routledge.
