The article is about gender expression that challenges internalized and externalized systems of control. It will discuss how nonconforming gender expression can disrupt societal norms and expectations around gender roles and identities.
Gender identity refers to an individual's sense of self as male, female, neither or both, while gender expression describes how someone expresses their gender through clothing, hairstyles, mannerisms, and other physical attributes. Nonconforming gender expression challenges both internalized and externalized systems of control because it goes against traditional expectations and assumptions about what it means to be masculine or feminine.
People who identify as agender or nonbinary may present themselves in ways that are neither strictly male nor female, such as using they/them pronouns instead of he/him or she/her, dressing in clothes that do not conform to binary stereotypes, or having short hair or facial hair. This can challenge preconceived notions of gendered behavior and lead to misunderstanding and confusion among others.
Nonconforming gender expression can also challenge externalized systems of control, which are social structures and institutions that reinforce dominant cultural norms and ideals. These include family, education, workplaces, healthcare, law enforcement, religion, media, politics, and the criminal justice system. When individuals refuse to conform to these systems' expectations, they risk facing discrimination, exclusion, violence, and even death.
Transgender people face higher rates of unemployment, homelessness, and incarceration due to discrimination and stigma surrounding their gender identity. The article will explore how nonconforming gender expression can disrupt these power dynamics by creating awareness and demanding change from those in positions of authority.
The article will examine how nonconforming gender expression can help break down societal barriers and create a more inclusive society. It suggests that embracing diversity and accepting different forms of gender expression helps create a world where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected regardless of their identity. By challenging traditional ideas about gender, we can start to reimagine how we interact with each other and redefine what it means to be human.
In what ways does nonconforming gender expression challenge both internalized and externalized systems of control?
Gender expression is a complex and personal identity aspect that can vary greatly among individuals. It involves how one presents themselves through clothing, mannerisms, speech, appearance, behavior, etc. , which are influenced by numerous factors such as culture, society, family, environment, upbringing, individual experience, and more. Nonconforming gender expression challenges both internalized and externalized systems of control by subverting traditional norms and expectations around gender roles and identities.