A Profound Impact on Development of Gender Identities - Essay Example

Construction of Gender Identities Through The Repetition Of Social Norms Unit Degree: ID: Word Count: I. Introduction It has been acknowledged that people’s identities are formed within particular cultural and social norms. Culture, religion, social and economic status shape the way people see themselves (Bourdieu 12). At the same time, people’s gender identities are also closely connected with their bodies and their clothes. Many people note that body images do not only reflect people’s gender identities but it is clear that they are representations of the identity as well as central factors affecting development of people’s views on themselves (Entwistle 57). It is important to note that media have been playing a significant role in formation and spread of conventions concerning body images. It is possible to trace major trends reigning in the world of fashion as well as in other spheres of people’s lives. The fashion industry has been chosen, as it has already become an indispensable part of people’s everyday activities. It is possible to examine the way gender identities developed during the middle of the 20th and 21st centuries. II. Development of Gender Identities in the Middle of the 20th Century The post-war period is characterised by a specific attitude towards people’s bodies as well as their identities. The accepted norm was a natural, capable and strong body (Creadick 22). It is noteworthy that standards for male and female bodies were quite similar, as it was essential to be healthy and look healthy. It is also important to add that that kind of body was a result of certain lifestyle. People were not concerned (at least, focused) on development of specific shapes. They were rather concerned with living the right life. Importantly, the trend was common in many countries. People tried to maintain a balance in their lives. They were active and industrious. Numerous posters, postcards and ads depict strong capable men and women. Film stars (in all countries) can be regarded as examples of such people of the post-war society. It is necessary to add that films reflected (as well as formed) the way people’s gender identities developed. There was a particular role (or even predestination) played by each person who knew (or, at least, tried to accept) his/her part. People knew they had to invest their powers to contribute to the society. This trend can be explained by many factors but the most important one was the political and social agenda of the societies. People just lived through the deadliest war and they were building a new and better world free from dictatorship (or opposing certain political and economic systems). Thus, the USA and Western European countries were flourishing as democratic societies while the USSR and China were building communist or socialist societies. People had to be strong to contribute to development of the community. Even in such individualistic societies as the societies of the west, people still accepted their roles as creators of a new peaceful world. Clearly, their identities were shaped by this trend. Unlike in later years, people were not focused on development of a particular body image. Health and natural wellness were people’s goals as well as a measure of their success (at least, to some extent). III. Development of Gender Identities in the 1970s However, everything changed in the 1970s when societies started transforming. It is important to note that the change in body shapes as well as identities was rather unnoticeable. Nonetheless, the period became the first step in the transition that took place at the end of the 20th century. People were no longer concerned with creating a new better world after the deadly war. Feminism became a strong movement that penetrated into all spheres of people’s lives. Feminism was based on (or rather employed) some Freudian concepts that became widespread and utilised in the societies, as many researchers exploited the feminist approach. Thus, according to Freud, gender is not something people are born with, since people develop their gender identities during their lifetimes (though, the basis is still put in the childhood) (Malson 12). Clearly, some cultural boundaries between the male and female started becoming blurred in many aspects of the human life. It was accepted that people were able to shape their identities and could focus more on the way they saw themselves. It becomes an accepted norm that “[i]t is not our female (or male) bodies make us feminine (or masculine) but the way in which we interpret our bodies” (Malson 12). In other words, the way people saw their bodies had a significant impact on development of their gender identities. They were free to choose ways to see themselves instead of accepting standards assigned by the society. It was natural to change and seek for change. It is noteworthy that people living in that period were still reluctant to undertake particular steps to shape their bodies to make them conform to the norms of the society. At the same time, these norms started developing and becoming stricter and more precise. Again, celebrities were reflections of the cultural norms and they also promulgated them. It was in that period when the male body became an object of certain alternations (grooming) and an object of admiration and desire. Importantly, black and homosexual men became first objects of display and later white straight male bodies entered the world of display and admiration as well. IV. Gender Identities in the 21st Century The 21st century became a very specific period when gender identities and body images transformed significantly. People became more individualistic and they started paying more attention to their bodies as well as their identities. It is also possible to stress that apart from becoming more individualistic, people have become concerned with their own inner worlds and their lives. As has been mentioned above, feminism is seen as one of the major factors that affected the way cultural conventions have developed (Jagger 2). It has had a significant impact on people’s body images and formation of their identities. Feminists strived for equality between genders. They also focused on actual equality between males and females when it came to psychological and biological features. At this point, it is important to add that androgyny came into place and has become a widespread trend in the world. The world of fashion can be seen as a suitable platform to examine conventions in the sphere of body images and gender identities. For instance, male (as well as female) models can be regarded as representations of cultural conventions as the “model’s body, his look, is the product of nature, although his “beauty” is most definitely cultural, produced . . . by being chosen and valued within the fashion modelling world” (Entwistle 60). In other words, models are chosen in accordance with cultural conventions existing in the society. Interestingly, even though there are certain global trends, there also may be regional peculiarities. For instance, as far as global trends are concerned, models have to be rather slim and have “a very slim silhouette” (Entwistle 61). This is common for both male and females. It is important to add that female models (as well as the rest of women) have to make a lot of effort to conform with the conventions. Bulimia nervosa has become a widespread disorder and one of peculiarities of the period. Young girls who want to look like girls from fashion magazine covers (as well as celebrated and novice models) have to remain in certain shape. Otherwise, they risk becoming outcasts (even though the seclusion may be a result of their own perceptions and choices) in the world of slim people. It is often necessary to note that in many cases females are reluctant to admit that it takes a lot of effort to be in such a good shape. The things are somewhat different when it comes to men. On the one hand, men tend to pay a lot of attention to their bodies and try to make them look strong and healthy. Men focus on their muscles and flat abs. This body image is widespread among celebrities involved in the film and music industry, sports and so on. Of course, media have a great impact on development of such trends. When it comes to underwear fashion, models are also quite sporty. They are rather slim but they have quite developed muscles. As has been mentioned above, regional peculiarities exist in this sphere. Thus, American male models tend to be more developed than their British counterparts are. However, on the other hand, the fashion industry has certain peculiarities and differs from such industries as cinematography or music. As has been mentioned above, androgyny has become a strong cultural convention. Thus, in some countries, male models have to remain slim and even seem underdeveloped even if this may be in conflict with what they would rather do with their bodies if they were not in the modelling business (Entwistle 61). This also affects the way people’s identities are developing. Hence, models see their bodies as the major asset they have for now. Modelling is their job and they live their lives in a specific way. It is regarded as normal among models to have active nightlife and bother little about their looks (or make others believe they do not care about their bodies). Masculinity in the case with young males in the fashion business is reflected in their ability to drink a lot and to seem careless when it comes to workouts in a gym. Thus, researchers have identified an interesting trend. British male models tend to focus on the natural beauty and they try to avoid admitting that they can have to “cultivate” their bodies (qtd. in Entwistle 61). It may seem that the trend of concentrating on the lifestyle rather than body shapes is returning. Nevertheless, this is somewhat equivocal. It is possible to note that the present day fashion is choosing youth characterised by androgenic features. It seems that people have come to the conclusion that beauty is (or should be) genderless. Notably, apart from androgenic characteristics, models are chosen for certain specific features. Thus, these can be models with peculiar features (for example, big eyes or mouth, long legs, pale skin and so on). It is possible to assume that people now strive to something unique and even exaggerated. Importantly, these are usually inborn features not acquired or developed. This is quite important, as it suggests that people are interested in unique bodies in terms of their natural beauty. It is necessary to add that this trend can also be a search for new beauty standards. At the same time, young males and females who have androgenic features are most popular. It is possible to assume that androgyny is valued in the world of fashion. This can suggest that gender identity is developing in a peculiar way in the contemporary world. People are no longer bound to choose strict features. At present, males can possess feminine (bodily and character) features while females can be characterised by traits usually assigned to men. At that, it does not follow that men do not see themselves masculine enough and females do not see themselves as feminine creatures. Interestingly, these blurring lines between the male and the female are especially apparent in the world of fashion. Prior to the 1980s, fashion was seen as totally belonging to the feminine part of the world. It was quite “unmanly” to be a model for a man and only a few cases were accepted (qtd. in Entwistle 56). Males appeared wearing some clothes occasionally in magazines and TV ads. Male celebrities could perform a role of a model when companies needed to market their products. This attitude towards male modelling was rooted in the very essence of modelling, as a model is a passive “object of display” (Entwistle 56). Passiveness has been assigned purely to females while males had to be active agents. Men have to be those who observe, not those who are observed. This convention is non-existent in the modern world and people tend to see male and female models similarly. The job has become appropriate for both genders. It is also possible to add that factors affecting the process of choosing the right models are determined by the culture. At the same time, the looks of models have a considerable impact on the way males (especially young men) strive to look. V. Bodily Features and Gender Identity As has been mentioned above, bodily features and gender identities have become closely connected. The way people try to change their bodies also reflects their identities. Simultaneously, development of people’s identities often brings to the fore the need to change their bodies. For instance, masculinity is now based on the principles of individualism or even narcissism (Entwistle 56). It is seen as a norm that males focus on their bodies trying to make them muscled and attractive. Being attractive means to be successful for the contemporary man. Females have always been focused on their looks. However, now major attention is paid to their bodies, rather than clothes, make-up and so on. Through their bodies, people construct their identities. For instance, a man, who trains a lot and has a muscled tanned body, views himself as a successful male. His masculinity is manifested through his bodily image. He becomes confident as he fits into the accepted norms. Females also build their gender identities paying a significant attention to their bodies. They try to fit into the images created by the culture they pertain to. Importantly, the line between the feminine and masculine is becoming more blurred. Androgyny is a common feature of models and, hence, it is valued in the society. Clearly, popularity of androgenic bodies can be seen as certain kind of manifestation of the change of gender roles that is taking place in the society. Males and females (especially the youth) do not need to emphasise their masculine or feminine qualities. Such notions as naturalism and appropriate lifestyle are much more important. At that, it is crucial to stress that these changes are only starting to take place and there are still men who want to look like and feel like real males while females are still trying to put their femininity to the fore. VI. Factors Affecting Development of Gender Identity and Repetitiveness It has been acknowledged that bodily images have always been affected by cultural peculiarities. Since it is clear that these two notions are closely connected, it is possible to assume that factors influencing bodily images have the same (or, at least, a similar) effect on development of gender identities. Clearly, culture is a very broad topic and it may seem somewhat unclear what exactly affects people. In the first place, political agenda has a significant and sometimes defining impact on development of people’s gender identities. The 20th century is the best illustration of this effect. For instance, in such totalitarian countries as the USSR or China, people were simply regarded as small parts of the organism (the society). People were literally told what to do and what to think. Their body images as well as identities were shaped to make them fit the system. It may seem that those days are behind as the majority of countries are democratic or, at least, claim to be or strive to be democratic. However, democracy does not mean that people’s identities are not shaped. Democracy and capitalism contributed to creation (or solely created) the consumerist society. Development of technology made it possible to produce goods in large quantities (way above people’s needs). This abundance leads to certain kind of irresponsibility and a great deal of individualism. It may also account for breaking conventions concerning gender roles (passivity of women and decisiveness of men). Abundance of products for men brought to the fore the need to develop male fashion industry and employ more and more male models. At present, people focus on their images and their identities. It is noteworthy that this process is conscious. People often consciously make choices and create their identities to fit into the society. An individual is still only a part of the system, but now individuals (not the government) are trying to follow conventions. Interestingly, the trends and social norms are always repeated to this or that extent. For instance, it has been mentioned that in the middle of the 20th century healthy and strong as well as natural bodies were valued and seen as a norm. People focused on their lifestyles. Even though those conventions were forgotten after the 1970s when people started experimenting a lot, the norms reappeared. The 21st century starts with similar trends, since people tend to return to such conventions as healthy lifestyles and healthy bodies. They turn back to the principles of naturalism. Thus, male models stress that their bodies are 100% natural and they do nothing to alter them in any way. Natural is seen beautiful now once again. At the same time, a trend from the 1970s is also apparent. The search for new standards and norms as well as desire to improve is reappearing. Thus, in the 1970s, people started developing beauty standards and various conventions. Now, fashion producers are looking for some unusual features that can later be developed into new standards. VII. Conclusion In conclusion, it is possible to note that gender identities have developed differently throughout decades. However, it is clear that societal norms (including political, economic, religious, ideological and other spheres) have always had a profound impact on development of gender identities. It is also obvious that certain trends are repetitive and people often reconsider beauty standards. Even such a short period (less than 100 years) reveals repetitiveness of social norms and a specific effect it has on development of people’s identities. It is possible to conclude that beauty standards are closely connected with development of gender identities, since bodily features can be regarded as a manifestation or reflection of people’s inner worlds. At present, people strive to be healthy, active and natural individuals who fit into the system. Works Cited Bourdieu, Pierre. Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgment of Taste. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1984. Print. Creadick, Anna G. Perfectly Average: The Pursuit of Normality in Postwar America. Boston, MA: University of Massachusetts, 2010. Print. Entwistle, Joanne. “From Catwalk to Catalog: Male Fashion Models, Masculinity, and Identity.” Cultural Bodies: Ethnography and Theory. Ed. Helen Thomas and Jamilah Ahmed. Malden, MA: Oxford: Blackwell, 2004. 55-75. Print. Jagger, Gill. Judith Butler: Sexual Politics, Social Change and the Power of the Performative. New York, NY: Routledge, 2008. Print. Malson, Helen. The Thin Woman: Feminism, Post-Structuralism, and the Social Psychology of Anorexia Nervosa. New York, NY: Psychology Press, 1998. Print. Read More