ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the controversial question about the relationship between sex and gender is discussed. Some reasons for this controversy are offered, as well as a solution as to how such a relationship can be conceptualized through the aid of phenomenological thinking. The distinction between sex and gender makes up the foundation for the further investigation of phallic masculinity as gender, which is the primary object of investigation of this book. It is thus important to distinguish between a person’s sexual identity, such as being a male, and gender, such as masculine ideals. The latter can be seen as a possible striving towards an identity or, more precisely, masculinity as a project. It is argued that phallic masculinity as a (gender) striving for an identity/project is unattainable since it tries to avoid the conditions of human existence of helplessness, vulnerability and dependence. Besides the clarification between sex and gender, the importance of introducing an ego-identity into the field of sex/gender studies is underscored. Such an addition to the conceptual apparatus within sex/gender research will add an additional nuance to the discussion. Furthermore, the significance of the notion of authenticity in the sex/gender discussion will be introduced, which, not least, will enable us to liberate ourselves from stereotypical gender ideals.
