In 2009, South African track star Caster Semenya broke the world record in the 800-meter race. Subsequently, she was asked to prove to the world that she was a woman. The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) subjected her to a complex series of tests that included physical and medical examinations. The controversy over Semenya's gender raises which of the following issues?

Question

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The controversy over Semenya's gender raises the issue that the IAAF's response assumes an essentialist idea of gender, which suggests that gender is based on biology and therefore fixed and unchangeable. This approach fails to acknowledge the complexities of gender identity and can perpetuate gender inequalities in sports. The fact that Semenya was subjected to invasive medical and physical examinations highlights the problematic nature of essentialist beliefs about gender.

In 2009, South African Track Star Caster Semenya Broke the World