Question

Sociologists argue that we all “do gender” by reflecting societal notions about gender. How do you think you “do gender?” For example, you might think about how you dress, your hobbies, or how you act. Do you think that you challenge traditional gender norms or do you think you mostly conform to the norms? Why?

Answer 1

1. If I am a female, some ways in which I might "do gender" or act like a girl or woman can be: wearing dresses/ skirts, playing with dolls, watching "chick flicks", wearing makeup, reading magazines like Glamour or Vogue, getting manicures, gossiping, showing an interest in having children, buying jewelry, etc.

2. Since I am more of a "tomboy" in the way I dress, I do not conform to gender norms of a girl/ woman. Similarly, since I study engineering, like sports over shopping, do not like pink, do not wear makeup and focus on grooming and my appearance, I do not conform to gender norms of being a girl/woman.

3. I challenge gender norms by showing the above traits since they are not traits of a stereotypical girl/ woman. The female gender is not associated with sports, studying engineering, dressing like a tomboy, and disregarding grooming and appearance.