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Hello, my name is Destiny. I am a senior at Xavier University Of Louisiana. Sociology Of Gender.
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In Chapter 6: Femininity Slides by Dr. Herdon the idea that femininity isn’t just about looks but about societal expectations is fascinating. Some women are policed for not performing femininity “correctly”, which makes me reflect on how rigid gender roles still are.

In”The Infantilizationof Women in Mainstream Media and Society” by Sood (2021) explores how media traps women in a paradox—expected to appear youthful and innocent while being sexualized. This interests me because it highlights how these contradictions shape societal perceptions of women in society.

In “Many Ways to Be a Girl, but One May Be a Boy: The New Gender Roles” by Miller (2025) demonstrates how cheerleading, once male-dominated became feminized and devalued. It interests me because it reflects a broader pattern women cheerleading and association and action is taken less seriously.

In “Hyper-Femininity Can Be Subversive and Empowering, Just Ask Barbie” by McManaman (2023) speaks about the contradictions of hyper-femininity—how it can be both empowering and restrictive. It interests me because Barbie represents confidence and ambition whilereinforcing outdated beauty standards.

In “How Empowerment Became Something to Buy” by Tolentino (2016) speaks about how empowerment has been co-opted by brands to sell products rather than create real change. It interests me because it exposes the performative nature of corporate feminism.

Black women’s experiences often get overlooked in mainstream feminism, so I love that this month, Black History Month, allows us to center our voices. Understanding our history is crucial to real empowerment, including women and black empowerment as well.

In “APA Connections: Masculinity, Energy Drink Use, and Sleep Problems”, Levant’s (2015) research links traditional masculine beliefs to higher energy drink consumption and sleep disturbances. Therefore, masculinity influences risky behaviors, health choices, reinforcing gender norms and behaviors.

In “Masculinity and Clean Eating – Instagram, Health, and Hegemonic Masculinity”, Baker and Walsh explore how men frame “clean eating” on Instagram, staged gyms to reinforce masculinity through strength and competitiveness. Overall, the trend emphasizes personal success over collective well-being.

In “Men Have No Friends and Women Bear the Burden” by Hamlett discusses how women often serve as men’s emotional support, leading to exhaustion and resentment. Therefore, mindfully, we need to make sure that women get their flowers, loved, valued and cherished, never mispotrayed and neglected.

In Chapter 5: Masculinity Slides, the Modified Patriarchies concept stood out to me, mentioning that in societies with legal gender equality, power is still closely tied to men and masculinity, with men viewed as the “default human” and masculinity linked to dominance.

Aretha Franklin on Respect & Masculinity- “We all require and want respect, man or woman, Black or white. It’s our basic human right”. Franklin’s words emphasize the universal need for dignity, challenging outdated masculinity that limits men’s emotional expression.

In “Men Have Fewer Friends Than Ever, and It’s Harming Their Health” by Levant and Karakis (2025) study found men with non-mutual attachment (NMA) struggle with communication and intimacy. This allowed me to notice decline in male friendships contributes to loneliness and negative health effects.

In “Feminism is for Everybody”, Bell Hooks argues that feminism should be accessible to all people, transcending class, race, and gender. Her work promotes a more inclusive understanding of feminism, which is crucial in gender highlighting the interconection within race, gender, and class.

The "A Gang of LGBT Youth" essay illustrates the unity of LGBT youth who endure certain hardships, but yet, are empowered through acceptance and unconditional love by their chosen families.

Skincare and fashion are just a few examples that depict beauty as a purchased commodity and not earned. Having societal standards of beauty set for the rich is the basis of this raucous “You’re Not Ugly, You’re Just Poor” that reveals how capitalism shatters self-worth.

To quote Bell Hooks: “Feminism must address class”. In other words, class plays a vital role. Economic justice is not the sole goal of women’s liberation, gender equality is also essential. Authentic feminism is all-embracing and not exclusive to the lucky ones only.

With or without ethnicity filters, dating apps intensify sexual racism and preferences stem from social discrimination, which goes beyond attraction. Jones, Misra, and McCurley in “Intersectionality In Sociology” explains how race, gender, and class shape people’s experiences.

Honoring Black African American Women byDestiny Robinson Black African-American women are the pillars of our society, leading with strength and grace. They shine with beauty and resilience, deserving recognition, respect, and justice. Their voices shape history, inspire change, and demand equality.

Angela Davis is a pivotal figure in the sociology of gender and Black history. Her work on Black feminism and mass incarceration remains vital, inspiring discussions on justice, equality, and the intersectionality of marginalized identities.

Workplace dress codes enforce masculine norms, forcing men who prefer feminine styles to conform, limiting authenticity and career growth. Ben Barry’s research highlights how these expectations reinforce stereotypes, sparking essential debates about inclusion and redefining workplace norms.

Euphoria is visually stunning and dramatic, it suffers from the over-sexualization of young women—particularly underage high school girls. Hollywood has long objectified women, reducing them to sex objects rather than fully developed characters. This sets harmful stereotypes within young women.

K-pop’s rise in the U.S. challenges stereotypes about masculinity, especially Asian men. Idols embrace beauty, makeup, etc., contrasting with Western ideals. Natalie Morin’s “What K-Pop’s Beautiful Men Can Teach Us About Masculinity” explores how they push for a broader, more inclusive definition.

Black History Month reminds us that race & gender intersect. Black women defy stereotypes while Black men challenge norms, showing resilience. Intersectionality reveals layered struggles and drives our fight for justice and equality.

Judith Butler’s statement, “Masculine and feminine roles are not biologically fixed but socially constructed”, highlights that gender roles are shaped by societal norms. Within sociology of gender, it connects by examining how culture and power shape gender identities.