Femininity-

The definition of femininity is the qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of women or girls.

What does it mean to be Female?

Many people how different perspectives on what it means to be female. for example someone has said:

“To me, being a woman means overcoming adversity. It is strength and empowerment. It is black and white, cis and trans, straight and queer, native and immigrant, disabled and poor and Jewish and Muslim and fat and all-inclusive. What I’m trying to say is being a woman is whatever you want it to be.” -Sarah Emily Baum

Many people share that being a woman does not have a definition since it can be perceived in many different ways for many different people.

What themes do you associate with Femininity, Feminine or female?

What would you say are the assumed norms of Femininity today?

The assumed norms of a female are usually the opposites of what the norms of male is. for example, Females are seen to be accommodating and emotional, while men are usually expected to be self-confident and aggressive. As well as this, occupation also plays a large role. Women are more expected to take part in jobs such as teachers or nurses and not jobs that would suit men Physical appearance is also important, Men and women are also expected to dress and groom in ways that are stereotypical to their gender so women are stereotypically associated with make up and dresses and not, for example, muscular

Nowadays, the stereotypes are more flexible and there isn’t any set rules for what a woman can be. Since extreme gender stereotypes are harmful as they don’t allow people to fully express themselves and their emotions, it is now encouraged for people to just be themselves and not expected to follow the stereotypes.

Compare expectations and perceptions of Femininity through time, society and place

Have we reached a point where the public thinks that men and women should have equal roles in the workplace and at home? Or is there still a perception that there should be a gender divide?

In the past, it was usual for gender roles to say that a man’s job is to earn money and a woman’s job is to look after the home and family. Many people accepted the gender role divide and it was a social norm for them. In 1987, a third (36 per cent) of the public thought that most women would prioritise their caring role over having a job. Though this percentage belief hasn’t changed a drastic amount, since many woman still has the expectation of having a family one day, it has still changed enough to show that Women have gained more rights when it comes to working

Femininity in Photography
Many female photographers use it to capture women’s unique beauty. Female photographers also use their work to write and highlight the female experience. These photographers create a photographic record of women’s struggles, triumphs, and everyday adventures.

Masculinity–

The definition of masculinity is the qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of men or boys.

What does it mean to be Male?

Being male can have as many struggles as it can to be female. men have also shared their own takes on the gender.

“Being a man to me means being unapologetically you. It means not being afraid to show the world who you are, exactly as you are. Being a man is never being afraid to show your emotions” Stevie, 26

“For me, being a man is about self-discovery, building self-awareness, emotional intelligence and most importantly, my legacy.” Jack, 22

What themes do you associate with the words masculine, masculinities or male? 

What would you say are the assumed norms of Masculinity today?

Masculine norms are mostly opposite to the feminine norms. Current Dominant Masculine Norms include providing for others, physical strength, emotional toughness, self-reliance, competitiveness, risk taking, protector, toughness and aggression, competitiveness, winning, dominance (including sexual), virility, control, power, heroism, honour and courage.

It is also a general norm for males to take more important jobs such as a doctor, pilot or engineer.

Recently, the stereotypes are more flexible and there isn’t any set rules for what a male can be.

Masculinity in Photography