Femininity – qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of women or girls.

Masculinity – qualities and attributes regarded as characteristic of men. 

When we talk about masculinity and femininity, we’re talking about a person’s gender. Gender is a social construct, and is one of many ways we as humans make meaning and create social structures.

Feminine traits include being emotional, collaborative, nurturing, vulnerable, caring and humble. Comparing to masculine traits which are considered as dominant, strong, independent, assertive, brave and innovative.

When looking at both these traits I don’t see gender. Traditionally feminine traits are considered bad or unwanted, I believe that is why women and men have taken to more masculine traits. In the workplace, I found it better to be dominant, assertive, and strong than it is to be caring, humble and emotional. Now, why is this? Why have we taken these traits and immediately started labeling them? All of the feminine traits are associated with women, whereas the masculine traits are associated with men. If a woman is seen being dominant or assertive she is bossy, but if a man is dominant or assertive he’s a boss and is taking control. We can say the same thing about a man who is seen crying or being caring, he can be considered weak,  but if a woman is emotional or caring it is considered good or the way she is supposed to act.

It is time that society realizes that masculinity and femininity are not traits we associate with depending on gender, but instead depending on the character. To be balanced and better people, I believe we need to have both masculine traits and feminine traits. 

How can identity be influenced?

The geography and cultures of our town influence our productivity, creativity and happiness. Our contentment with our identity has a lot to do with the opportunities our location affords us. If we feel isolated, out of place or unaccepted in the collective identity, we may come into conflict with our personal identity.

Identity can be influenced by upbringing, as people may have been pressured since being young to act/be a certain way, or what is deemed ‘appropriate’ and ‘fitting’… either that being towards their religion, gender, personality or beliefs. Your upbringing can be the biggest influence on the person you will turn out as, to be moulded into the person you are.