Gender Performance refers to the manner in which individuals present themselves according to societal expectations of their gender identity. It includes behaviors such as dressing, grooming, speech patterns, body language, and even personality traits that are traditionally associated with one's assigned sex at birth. Sustained gender performance is when an individual consistently presents themselves this way for an extended period of time. This can have cumulative effects on social norms, political consciousness, and recognition of non-normative identities.
Social Norms refer to the generally accepted rules of behavior within a society. These norms often dictate how people should act in different situations, from personal interactions to business dealings. Gender performance plays a significant role in shaping these norms, as it reinforces traditional ideas about what it means to be male or female.
If men are expected to be assertive and take charge while women are supposed to be passive and submissive, then sustained gender performance may reinforce these beliefs and perpetuate them across generations.
Political Consciousness refers to the awareness of political issues and the ability to engage in political action. Gender performance also affects this by shaping people's perceptions of politics and power dynamics. If men and women are encouraged to behave differently in public, they may have very different views on who holds power and how it should be used.
If women are not given equal opportunities in leadership positions, it could lead to a lack of understanding of the importance of representation in decision-making processes.
Recognition of Non-Normative Identities refers to acknowledgment and acceptance of individuals who do not conform to societal expectations of gender identity. These identities include transgender, intersex, and non-binary individuals. Sustained gender performance can make it difficult for those who don't fit into binary categories to be recognized and validated. It may require greater effort for them to navigate social spaces where their gender is questioned or misunderstood. Research has shown that this experience can negatively impact mental health outcomes like depression and anxiety.
Researchers can measure or theorize about these effects using quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitatively, surveys and experiments can assess changes in attitudes towards gender performance over time. Qualitatively, focus groups and interviews can examine lived experiences of individuals whose gender performances differ from societal norms.
Understanding the cumulative effects of sustained gender performance is essential for creating more equitable societies where all identities are valued equally.
What cumulative effects does sustained gender performance have on social norms, political consciousness, and recognition of non-normative identities, and how can these be measured or theorized?
Performing one's gender over time has been shown to influence social norms as individuals internalize certain behaviors, values, attitudes, and perceptions associated with their assigned sex at birth (Wood et al. , 2016). This may include both explicit and implicit messages about what it means to be masculine or feminine that are conveyed through various media sources (e. g.