. . . and gender
Relational-Cultural Theory's view on gender is shaped in relationship and culture, not as a fixed or essential state of being. Despite emerging as a theory supporting women's development specifically, Relational-Cultural Theory was clear in attributing inequity to a socially constructed patriarchy, and not to inherent biological differences.
The theory builders have never intended to suggest that women are "by nature" more relational, empathic, or nurturing. Jean Baker Miller's (1976) original work clearly delineates the power of context and the power of a patriarchal culture, which has assigned women the primary responsibility for supporting and maintaining the relationships necessary for everyone's growth. Her work is profoundly sociopolitical and social constructivist. ---Judith V. Jordan, Linda M. Hartling (2002)
Throughout RCT, there has been a focus on how we co-construct our growth through relationships. Jean Baker Miller's Toward a New Psychology of Women emphasized the role of relational and cultural context in shaping our lives. She challenged the cultural forces that were hurting marginalized populations, particularly women, as well as the strength with which many adapted. She argued that traditional psychological theories failed to consider the impact of social inequalities on our wellbeing.
As her theory developed into Relational Cultural Theory (RCT), more attention was afforded to the cultural oppression, systemic disconnection, and the importance of connection to all people. Currently, RCT offers a modality of empowerment, authentic connection, and equity for all.
Gender and Power
RCT pays particular attention to power in relationships, offering the idea of power-with, naming empowerment as one of the Five Good Things of a growth-fostering relationship. Unnamed power-over is one of the cultural forces that impede our connections, and our well-being.
Honoring diverse gender identities is one way we address power differences and challenge harmful cultural norms. This not only benefits transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive (TNBGE) people, it contributes to a broader shift towards inclusivity and diversity.
In applying RCT to TNBGE people, we can be tempted to note that gender is a construct, that a binary and rigid understanding of it hurts all genders. Sometimes that leads to wondering if gender affirming care is propping up a harmful construct, prolonging our exposure to the patriarchy.
Eventually, you can't help but figure out that, while gender is a construct, so is a traffic light, and if you ignore either of them, you get hit by cars. Which, also, are constructs.” -- Imogen Binnie
At one time, the idea of "colorblindness" was promoted as a way to overcome racism. We now acknowledge the impact ignoring racism and white supremacy have on Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC). Ignoring racism allows it to continue. TNBGE people will exist as long as we have gender, and right now, we've got gender.
RCT teaches us that growth happens in the fertile soil of empathy, respect, and mutual empowerment. In the context of gender, this means creating a therapeutic space that honors each person's self-defined identity. Just as RCT challenges the cultural imperatives of individuation that isolate marginalized people, it challenges us to expand our understanding of human connection beyond the gender binary.
The International Center for Growth In Connection issued a statement, representing Relational Cultural Theory's view on gender, supported by Lisa Frey, Nate Smith, PhD, (author of Queering Connection: Narratives of Healing in Relational Cultural Therapy with Queer and Transgender Clients) and Amy Makice and the Bloomington Center for Connection.
Lisa Frey for her contributions, Amy Makice and the team at the Bloomington Center for Connection, and Nate Smith, PhD, author of Queering Connection: Narratives of Healing in Relational Cultural Therapy with Queer and Transgender Clients for valuable feedback