The Effects of Agential Realism on Sex Research, Intersexuality and Education

This article provides an account of the role that agential realism might play in sex research, intersexuality and education, as well as the possibilities this opens up for research, institutions, policy, intersex communities and understandings of intersexuality. The account begins by addressing key issues in the field of sex research, intersexuality and education, then demonstrates how these may be read through an agential realist lens. This approach provides a more accountable means of thinking through matters of sexual difference and opens up more nuanced enquiry. Subsequently, the article speculates on what kinds of explorations of sex might emerge with future research and pedagogy, followed by an example of the ways in which this reading of sex has flow-on effects in relation to gender and sexuality, which are often taught alongside sexual difference. From consultations with members of the New Zealand intersex community, the article closes by discussing pertinent issues the community faces, which might be addressed in sex education.