The Term Doing Gender Can Be Defined As

The term "doing gender" can be defined as the ways in which we actively obey and re-create gender through our interactions. It's not just about being a man or a woman, but about performing gender in every moment of our lives.

Understanding the Concept of Doing Gender

"Doing gender" is a concept developed by sociologists Candace West and Don H. Zimmerman in their seminal 1987 article, "Doing Gender." This theory challenges the traditional view that gender is a fixed, inherent trait residing within individuals. Instead, West and Zimmerman argue that gender is an accomplishment—something we actively create and recreate through our interactions with others.

This perspective shifts the focus from internal attributes to external performances. It suggests that gender is not something we are, but something we do. This "doing" is not simply a matter of personal expression; it's a complex social activity that is deeply intertwined with norms, expectations, and power dynamics.

The Social Construction of Gender

At the heart of "doing gender" is the idea that gender is socially constructed. This means that the meanings we attach to masculinity and femininity are not natural or biological, but are created and maintained through social processes. These processes include:

• Socialization: From a young age, we are taught how to behave according to our assigned gender. Boys are encouraged to be strong and independent, while girls are encouraged to be nurturing and cooperative.
• Interaction: Through our interactions with others, we constantly reinforce and negotiate gender norms. We respond to others based on their perceived gender, and they respond to us in turn.
• Institutional practices: Institutions such as schools, workplaces, and the media play a significant role in shaping our understanding of gender. They often perpetuate stereotypes and reinforce traditional gender roles.

Accountability and the "Doing" of Gender

One of the key aspects of "doing gender" is the concept of accountability. West and Zimmerman argue that we are constantly being held accountable for our gender performances. This means that others are evaluating whether we are "doing gender" appropriately, and we are constantly trying to meet their expectations.

This accountability can take many forms. It can be as subtle as a raised eyebrow or a disapproving glance, or as overt as direct criticism or discrimination. The fear of negative sanctions can be a powerful motivator, leading us to conform to gender norms even when we don't necessarily agree with them.

Examples of "Doing Gender" in Everyday Life

The "doing gender" framework can be applied to a wide range of everyday behaviors and interactions. Here are a few examples:

• Dress and appearance: The clothes we wear, the hairstyles we adopt, and the makeup we apply are all ways of "doing gender." We choose these things to signal our gender identity to others and to conform to gender norms.
• Body language: The way we sit, stand, walk, and gesture can also be gendered. Men are often expected to take up more space, while women are expected to be more demure.
• Language: The way we speak, the topics we discuss, and the humor we use can all be gendered. Men are often expected to be assertive and confident, while women are expected to be polite and accommodating.
• Emotional expression: The way we express our emotions can also be gendered. Men are often discouraged from expressing vulnerability or sadness, while women are often expected to be more emotionally expressive.
• Division of labor: The tasks we perform at home and at work can also be gendered. Women are often expected to take on more of the domestic responsibilities, while men are often expected to be the primary breadwinners.

The Dynamics of Gender and Power

The concept of "doing gender" is closely linked to power dynamics. Gender is not simply a matter of individual performance; it's also a system of social stratification that privileges men and marginalizes women and other gender minorities.

Gender as a Hierarchical System

In most societies, masculinity is valued more highly than femininity. This means that men are often granted more power, status, and resources than women. This hierarchy is maintained through the "doing" of gender. By conforming to traditional gender roles, we reinforce the idea that men are superior to women.

The Consequences of Challenging Gender Norms

Individuals who challenge gender norms often face negative consequences. They may be ostracized, ridiculed, or even subjected to violence. This is because challenging gender norms threatens the existing power structure. By refusing to "do gender" in the expected way, these individuals are undermining the legitimacy of the gender hierarchy.

Agency and Resistance

Despite the constraints of gender norms, individuals are not simply passive recipients of social expectations. We also have the agency to resist and challenge these norms. This can take many forms, from small acts of subversion to large-scale social movements.

• Individual resistance: Individuals can resist gender norms by refusing to conform to traditional expectations. This might involve dressing in a way that challenges gender stereotypes, speaking out against sexism, or pursuing careers that are traditionally associated with the opposite gender.
• Collective resistance: Social movements can also challenge gender norms. Feminist movements, for example, have fought for women's rights and equality, and have challenged traditional gender roles in many areas of life.
• Creating new possibilities: By resisting gender norms, we can create new possibilities for ourselves and for others. We can challenge the idea that there are only two genders, and we can create more inclusive and equitable ways of being in the world.

Criticisms and Limitations of the "Doing Gender" Perspective

While the "doing gender" perspective has been highly influential, it has also been subject to criticism. Some of the main criticisms include:

• Overemphasis on performance: Some critics argue that the "doing gender" perspective overemphasizes the performative aspects of gender and neglects the role of internal feelings and experiences.
• Lack of attention to intersectionality: The original "doing gender" framework did not adequately address the intersection of gender with other social categories such as race, class, and sexuality. This has been addressed in more recent work, but it remains a point of critique.
• Determinism: Some critics argue that the "doing gender" perspective is overly deterministic, suggesting that individuals have little agency to resist gender norms. However, as discussed above, individuals can and do resist gender norms in various ways.

The Importance of Intersectionality

One of the most important developments in the study of gender has been the recognition of intersectionality. This concept, developed by Kimberlé Crenshaw, refers to the ways in which different social categories such as race, class, and sexuality intersect to create unique experiences of privilege and oppression.

For example, a Black woman may experience gender differently than a white woman, due to the intersection of racism and sexism. Similarly, a working-class man may experience masculinity differently than an upper-class man, due to the intersection of class and gender.

Beyond the Binary

The "doing gender" perspective has also been criticized for its focus on the gender binary. The gender binary is the idea that there are only two genders, male and female. This idea is increasingly being challenged by transgender and non-binary individuals, who argue that gender is a spectrum and that individuals should be free to identify as whatever gender feels right to them.

Applications of the "Doing Gender" Framework

The "doing gender" framework has been applied to a wide range of fields, including:

• Sociology: The "doing gender" perspective has been used to study gender inequality, gender roles, and gender identity.
• Psychology: The "doing gender" perspective has been used to study gender development, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination.
• Communication studies: The "doing gender" perspective has been used to study gendered language, gendered nonverbal communication, and gendered media representations.
• Education: The "doing gender" perspective has been used to study gender bias in education, gendered curriculum, and gendered classroom interactions.
• Business: The "doing gender" perspective has been used to study gender inequality in the workplace, gendered leadership styles, and gendered marketing.
• Law: The "doing gender" perspective has been used to study gender discrimination in the legal system, gendered violence, and gendered family law.

Conclusion

The concept of "doing gender" provides a powerful lens for understanding how gender is socially constructed and how it shapes our lives. It challenges the traditional view that gender is a fixed, inherent trait and instead argues that gender is something we actively create and recreate through our interactions with others.

While the "doing gender" perspective has been subject to criticism, it remains a valuable tool for understanding the complexities of gender and for challenging gender inequality. By recognizing that gender is something we do, we can begin to imagine new ways of doing gender that are more inclusive, equitable, and just.

FAQ: Understanding "Doing Gender"

Here are some frequently asked questions about the concept of "doing gender":

Q: What is the difference between sex and gender?

A: Sex refers to biological differences between males and females, such as chromosomes, hormones, and anatomy. Gender refers to the social and cultural meanings that are attached to these biological differences. "Doing gender" focuses on how we perform and embody these social and cultural meanings.

Q: Is "doing gender" a conscious process?

A: Not always. Sometimes we are consciously aware of "doing gender," such as when we are getting dressed for a special occasion or when we are trying to impress someone. Other times, we are "doing gender" unconsciously, simply by following social norms and expectations.

Q: Does "doing gender" mean that gender is not real?

A: No. "Doing gender" does not mean that gender is not real. It simply means that gender is not fixed or inherent. Gender is real in the sense that it has real consequences for people's lives. It affects how we are treated, how we are perceived, and what opportunities are available to us.

Q: Can men "do" femininity, and can women "do" masculinity?

A: Yes. While gender norms often prescribe certain behaviors for men and women, individuals can and do challenge these norms. Men can "do" femininity by expressing emotions, wearing traditionally feminine clothing, or pursuing careers that are traditionally associated with women. Women can "do" masculinity by being assertive, wearing traditionally masculine clothing, or pursuing careers that are traditionally associated with men. However, it's important to recognize that these performances may be evaluated differently depending on the individual's gender.

Q: How can we challenge gender norms?

A: There are many ways to challenge gender norms. Some strategies include:

• Being aware of our own gender biases and stereotypes.
• Challenging sexist or gendered language.
• Supporting individuals who challenge gender norms.
• Educating others about gender equality.
• Advocating for policies that promote gender equality.

Q: What is the ultimate goal of challenging gender norms?

A: The ultimate goal of challenging gender norms is to create a more just and equitable society for all. By challenging gender norms, we can create a world where individuals are free to express themselves authentically, without fear of discrimination or prejudice. We can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their gender.

By continuing to examine and understand the concept of "doing gender," we can move towards a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of identity and social interaction. This understanding is crucial for fostering a society that values diversity and challenges harmful stereotypes.