Masculinities and femininities are structured and expressed through other axes of identity such as class, race, ethnicity, age, and sexuality.

Feminine-“set of attributes, behaviours and roles generally associated with women and girls”.

• Feminine behaviours can be described as naive, sexually inexperienced, soft, flirtatious, nurturing (like a mother), careful and accepting.

• “The strength behind power lies within feelings and emotions“.

• Allows for vulnerability and understanding.

Masculinity can be defined by the “social expectations of being a man”. The term “masculinity” can refer to the behaviours/roles that are “considered appropriate for boys & men in a given society”.

• “Masculinity is constructed and defined socially, historically and politically, rather than being biologically driven.”
• Masculinity and stereotypes can be included in such as strength, well-built, muscular, courage, independence, leadership, and assertiveness.

Binary Opposites

Masculinity and Femininity are binary opposites (same as good vs evil) meaning that in the system “two theoretical opposites are strictly defined and set off against one another”.

• Boy vs Girl
• Young vs Old
• Peace vs War
• Black vs White
• Strong vs Weak
• Technology vs Humanity