Tomboy Gender Roles

The film Tomboy takes an interesting look at gender identity by placing the phenomenon within the context of childhood. By following the main character Laure/Mikael, we gain insight into the complex issues those struggling with gender identity and are able to see a clearer picture as we observe simple interactions between children. One of the more prevalent theories we see at work in the film is Socialization, or the way a person adapts their behavior to fit societal expectations. In doing so, a person is more readily accepted into a group and able to better make vital social connections. In order to better fit in with the group of children (specifically the boys), it is no wonder that Mikael would emulate their behavior. The two main instances where we see Mikael adapt his behavior to match the boys is seen on the soccer field. …show more content…
Mikael observes one of the boys spit on the ground. Such a simple action that holds so much as it relates to gender roles and social expectations. Mikael instinctively sees that the boy spitting is something that separates him from someone like Lisa (a girl). So, naturally, it would make Mikael “more of a boy” if he spits on the ground, something he tries for the first time in the mirror at home and then inputs at the soccer court. The other thing that Mikael does that separates him from his gender is when he takes his shirt off, something that would be outlandish for a girl to do. Even Mikael’s participation in the game is something that socializes him as a boy; while the girls are not permitted to play because they “are no good,” it is expected that the boys not only play the game, but that they do so skillfully (a source of irony as we watch Mikael out play the other boys). What is interesting is that we see the biological boys also playing their role: being more boisterous and physical than the other