Final answer:
Gottlieb argues that gender identity is a continuum of multiple identities, going beyond the traditional binary understanding and recognizing a complex interplay between biology and culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
In "Interpreting Gender and Sexuality," Gottlieb posits that gender identity is understood as a continuum of multiple identities rather than a binary of men or women. This view supports the idea that gender is a complex interplay between biology and culture and that it cannot be simply assigned at birth. It extends beyond the traditional binary understanding, recognizing that people may identify as male, female, both, neither, or somewhere along a gender continuum. Gottlieb's argument aligns with the perspectives of many gender scholars and philosophers like Judith Butler, who suggest gender is a set of cultural identities people perform in their daily lives, and that gender can be seen as an impersonation or enactment of societal norms.
Understanding gender identity as a range of identities allows for a more inclusive view that encompasses not only binary gender roles but also acknowledges gender dysphoria, where an individual's psychological identity does not correspond with the sex they were assigned at birth. This concept is critical for recognizing the individual experiences of transgender, non-binary, and other gender non-conforming individuals within society.