Definition Essay-Doin Doing Gender

I have been doing gender since my early childhood. If I wanted a bike my mom would get me a pink or purple bike with sparkly tassels on each handle bar. However, if my brothers wanted a bike they would get a blue or black without sparkly tassels. The design and color of bicycles is one of several objects that have contributed to the creation of gender norms. Doing gender has rewards/costs; we cannot choose not to do gender. Doing gender defreintates what it means to act feminine or masculine. Feminine is defined by Cambridge Dictionary as, “having qualities traditionally considered to be suitable for a woman.” Doing gender in the aspect of femininity involves paying more attention to one’s appearance, hygiene, and posture. “Masculine is defined by Cambridge Dictionary as, “having qualities traditionally considered to be suitable for a man.” According to societal norms in order to do masculinity one must be dominant, stocky/muscular build, possess power, respected, strong, etc. Although doing gender is divided between how to act like a lady or a man; a woman can do masculinity and vice versa.

“On an individual level, we may do gender to experience the rewards and privileges that come from acting in ways consistent with people’s gender expectations.” (pg.94) If a man does masculinity and fulfills the role of the bread-winner, he may expect to come home from a long day at work prop his feet; while his wife or female partner takes care of everything else. “In general, social costs of violating gender norms are not felt evenly by girls and boys, or by women and men.” (pg.94) Society is more accepting of a women who acts masculine than it is of a man who acts feminine. Nine times out of ten a man who does feminine is frowned