Hegemonic Femininity is a term used to highlight the dominating characteristics of women complimentary to the male dominance and subordination of females. The term hegemonic is used in the context of the social or political dominance of women whereas, femininity explains the quality of being womanly or feminine. The term hegemonic femininity came out of the concept of hegemonic masculinity, a phrase by Australian sociologist Robert William Connell. According to her social theory of gender relations, hegemonic masculinity was referred as “idealized form of men’s masculine character in the society.” The term was first coined in a social inequality investigation in Australian high schools in 1985.
However, in the last couple of decades, the …show more content…
By becoming subordinate, the women acknowledge the hegemonic femininity which makes it even more desirable. Though it’s about the dominance of ideal female characters, not all the women share this concept of hegemonic femininity. However, since it’s a social construct, most of the women are affected by it whether they are in favor of it or not.
Challenging Hegemonic Femininity
Women Empowerment:
Since the start of 20th century, the gender equality fight has challenged the status of hegemonic femininity and hegemonic masculinity. The gender deserves freedom of expressing their character based on the emotions than so-called idealized form. The social status and elevation of woman have been highly instrumental in dismantling the gender biased femininity norms. The women who are assertive, ambitious and young professional represent hegemonic femininity while maintaining their conventional aura of femininity.
Independent Women:
The independent women defy the traditional feminine norms by not being agreed and …show more content…
Several lesbians from homo-sexual groups have challenged the role and rigidity of hegemonic femininity. They are acknowledging masculinity to take a stand that women need not always be aligned with the conventional femininity norms demand. Many women openly flaunt their authoritative personality to challenge the concept of hegemonic femininity.
Women in Sports:
The females who are perceived as too feminine are often trivialized and sexualized. This has made women carefully balancing the hegemonic femininity with athleticism. However, in the areas of less traditional sports setting, females are slowly challenging, resisting and transforming the expectations of standard hegemonic femininity.
Conclusion:
There are many different ways in which hegemonic femininity celebrates the feminism in today's time. The media portrayals of women power while neutralizing the powerful effects simultaneously is a new age concept of hegemonic
However, in the last couple of decades, the …show more content…
By becoming subordinate, the women acknowledge the hegemonic femininity which makes it even more desirable. Though it’s about the dominance of ideal female characters, not all the women share this concept of hegemonic femininity. However, since it’s a social construct, most of the women are affected by it whether they are in favor of it or not.
Challenging Hegemonic Femininity
Women Empowerment:
Since the start of 20th century, the gender equality fight has challenged the status of hegemonic femininity and hegemonic masculinity. The gender deserves freedom of expressing their character based on the emotions than so-called idealized form. The social status and elevation of woman have been highly instrumental in dismantling the gender biased femininity norms. The women who are assertive, ambitious and young professional represent hegemonic femininity while maintaining their conventional aura of femininity.
Independent Women:
The independent women defy the traditional feminine norms by not being agreed and …show more content…
Several lesbians from homo-sexual groups have challenged the role and rigidity of hegemonic femininity. They are acknowledging masculinity to take a stand that women need not always be aligned with the conventional femininity norms demand. Many women openly flaunt their authoritative personality to challenge the concept of hegemonic femininity.
Women in Sports:
The females who are perceived as too feminine are often trivialized and sexualized. This has made women carefully balancing the hegemonic femininity with athleticism. However, in the areas of less traditional sports setting, females are slowly challenging, resisting and transforming the expectations of standard hegemonic femininity.
Conclusion:
There are many different ways in which hegemonic femininity celebrates the feminism in today's time. The media portrayals of women power while neutralizing the powerful effects simultaneously is a new age concept of hegemonic