Identity and third gender: a sociological study of hijras in Jammu region

For ages it was believed that the different characteristics, roles and statuses accorded to women and men in society, are determined by biology (i.e., sex), that they are natural, and therefore not changeable. Thus, social identity of an individual depends on his or her sex i.e. on the biological identity. On, the basis of sex each society slowly transforms a male or female into a man or a woman, into masculine and feminine, with different qualities, behavior patterns, roles, responsibilities, rights and expectations. Unlike sex, which is biological, the gender identities of the individuals in the society are psychological and socio-culturally determined. Hence, gender identity refers specifically to social differences. In other words, one can say that gender identity is individuals own sense of maleness and femaleness. But, in all societies some individuals do not identify with the gender that is otherwise associated with their biological sex. Thus, some societies have so-called third gender categories, which can be used as a basis for a gender identity by persons who are uncomfortable with the gender that is usually associated with their sex. The present paper has attempted to understand the issue of gender identity among the hijras in Jammu region. The paper aimed to understand the problem of identity- imagined or real- among the hijras. It looked into the social and cultural life of the said community and tried to focus on their traditions and socio-cultural aspects, specifically taking into account the issue of their identity, kinship, religion, religious diety, education, economy and occupation etc. The paper has further analyzed the concept of family and household among the hijras. It has focused on the various kinship ties that exists among the community members. Therefore, the present paper has made a humble attempt to understand the various issues related to the hijras of Jammu region.