Performing Femininity

[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!

Comments

[apple-pathways.livejournal.com]

Oh, and as for your bra-related injury: OMG, I've totally done that! Sports bras are the DEVIL! When they're particularly tight-fitting and sticking to your body with sweat, they are murder to get off! I have no idea what this says about our femininity. :P

[evilhippo.livejournal.com]

Okay, so long as I'm not the only one that gets into fights with the things. I don't understand why the sweat isn't a lubricant... Surely someone would've fixed this problem by now? I've gotten in to work in the morning and accidentally punched the (occupied) stall next to mine while trying to get a sports bra off (they're polished granite stall walls, too, so it rang and echoed. I was kind of afraid to come out afterward, lest my victim put a face to their assailant). This is the first time I've actually injured myself, though.

[apple-pathways.livejournal.com]

Bras in general are not to be trusted, I find. Lately my breasts have been busting through bras like the Incredible Hulk. I've had two underwires snap on me in as many weeks! And now that I'm out in the garden everyday and want to wear my sports bras, I can't find any of them. If this trend continues, I imagine I'll be resorting to binding myself with duct tape soon.