Performing Femininity
Jun. 7th, 2011 01:20 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
apple_pathways(Disclaimer: Dudes, I want your opinions, too. I know there's, like: two of you who read my journal regularly. But don't feel left out if it seems I'm only talking to the ladies!)
The subject has come up elsewhere, and it's been on my mind recently: what is femininity? Is it the traditional, stereotypical traits that have historically been prized in women? (And in whose history?) Has the definition evolved significantly over time, or are we still stuck in an antiquated frame of mind? Which qualities are absolutely necessary in order to be considered feminine, and which are optional?
Are you offended when certain traits, interests, or qualities are described as masculine or feminine? As for myself, whenever I've taken any sort of "Male or Female" brain test, I've always skewed slightly toward the masculine side of the scale. (Including when I took such a test in college as a research participant for credit in my psychology class.) It does bother me when people say I "think like a guy", but I do realize that when it comes to science, they're speaking about statistical norms, which I'm cool with, because I like math. :P (Even though, as a child, I got much more attention for my writing abilities than I did my mathematical skill.)
(If anyone else is interested in taking a test based on "male vs. female" brain science, here's a really good one from the BBC. Save it for when you have some time, though, as there are multiple parts. Though I do believe you can save each section as you finish.)
[Poll #1749763]
Also, I'd like to know: how well do you fit into (what you perceive to be) your culture's definition of 'masculine' or 'feminine'? What do you think of others who are unable to adhere to your culture's rules? How many of the differences between men and women come from biology, and how many are culturally constructed?
I'll provide my own responses once I've had some sleep!
The subject has come up elsewhere, and it's been on my mind recently: what is femininity? Is it the traditional, stereotypical traits that have historically been prized in women? (And in whose history?) Has the definition evolved significantly over time, or are we still stuck in an antiquated frame of mind? Which qualities are absolutely necessary in order to be considered feminine, and which are optional?
Are you offended when certain traits, interests, or qualities are described as masculine or feminine? As for myself, whenever I've taken any sort of "Male or Female" brain test, I've always skewed slightly toward the masculine side of the scale. (Including when I took such a test in college as a research participant for credit in my psychology class.) It does bother me when people say I "think like a guy", but I do realize that when it comes to science, they're speaking about statistical norms, which I'm cool with, because I like math. :P (Even though, as a child, I got much more attention for my writing abilities than I did my mathematical skill.)
(If anyone else is interested in taking a test based on "male vs. female" brain science, here's a really good one from the BBC. Save it for when you have some time, though, as there are multiple parts. Though I do believe you can save each section as you finish.)
[Poll #1749763]
Also, I'd like to know: how well do you fit into (what you perceive to be) your culture's definition of 'masculine' or 'feminine'? What do you think of others who are unable to adhere to your culture's rules? How many of the differences between men and women come from biology, and how many are culturally constructed?
I'll provide my own responses once I've had some sleep!
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2011-06-08 12:34 am (UTC)I'm definitely "feminine" in the sense of the life choices I've made and the way I relate to situations and people. I've never had any issues with identifying with one gender over the other, and I certainly have no misgivings about being female.
On the other hand, there are days when I feel like I'm less feminine than most of the women I know. For example (and this seems to be true for a lot of people around LJ, fwiw) I have a fairly analytical mind which is given more to problem-solving and less to empathy (and this was borne out by the test as well, fwiw). I'm also definitely more techie than fuzzy, although this may be a reflection of my educational and career choices more than anything else.
I feel restricted by my gender in a very specific way. I'm a sports fan, and nobody takes my sports opinions at all seriously. The assumption, of course, is that I've never played football and therefore, any opinion I have on the sport must be suspect. :( I resent this HARD, but there's not a lot I can do about it. I feel like there are insidious forms of the same sort of discrimination happening in the workplace as well (and not just to me). It's why women hit that ceiling so much faster, despite trying to "out-guy" their guy colleagues. *sigh* Maybe that's a debate for another day, lol.
no subject
Date: 2011-06-08 02:00 am (UTC)Oh yes, I can definitely relate.
I have a very strong emotional intelligence, and no problem relating to people of all sorts of backgrounds. However (and this is a big however): for myself, I tend to prefer logic to an emotional reaction.
One of my best friends is the opposite. We've spent many a late night discussing difference ideas and issues, and inevitably, when trying to talk me down from whatever stubborn viewpoint I've chosen to adopt for the evening, she'll say to me: "But Amy, most people just don't look at things that way!" Agreed! And that is what's wrong with the world. :P
Ugh, I can see how maddening it would be to be a female sports fan. I grew up around sports, and understand how most of them work. I can watch a football or baseball game and know exactly what's going on; occasionally, I can even persuade myself to care! But men have a hard time believing I really do understand what's going on.
Are you an NFL fan? I used to watch college (U of M, natch) but gave it up. :P