What is GENDER?

I've mentioned before that gender is socially constructed, but what do I mean by that? (Take note - I am not talking about physical sex, genitalia etc.)

GENDER is not something that we ARE, but - rather - something that we DO. Society (as a whole) creates the rules that form our gender. Gender roles are not static from place to place; they vary depending on the cultural context. For example, in many middle-eastern countries it is "normal" (as in, pertaining to the "norms" of society) for women to be passive, quiet, and submissive. Of course, there ARE exceptions to this, but when this image of "female" is juxtaposed with the women of the United States, a huge difference can be seen. Women in the United States are typically "strong"er in voice and action.

So what is the definition of "femininity?"

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as being "the quality or nature of the female sex," but there are no real, solid demeanor characteristics or rules for being female. The diversity that can be witnessed in our society is evidence of that. Femininity itself is based on what the society at large thinks it to be.

We DO gender every day in the way that we ACT the roles that society dictates. But what is femininity to you? What does being female mean to you as an individual?

That is something you should seek to find on your own. And if you aren't happy with the way society defines femininity for you? Change it! :) Get out there! Be different!

And be proud!  You are beautiful!

VioletDove