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Expectations of Women Over Time

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Initially, before this course, I didn't take much into account what women in our society were represented as, all I was aware of was ongoing sexism in society, but after the first couple of lessons, I realised that femininity is such an interesting and broad topic that I can learn so much from.

In early times, women were typically represented as a sex object, or somewhat an aid to men, whether it be in the form of housework, carer or love interest. Nonetheless, women were always portrayed as the inferior gender, dominated and pressured by society's wants.

 Even when we were still young children, there was always gender stereotypes and norms, girls liked dolls and pretty things, while boys choose their own adventures and explore the wild. It might not seem as much but we were always grown up in similar ways, taught how we were expected to behave like a gender. What does the phrase "You act like a girl" even define? all women are unique, there is no right or wrong action you can take. 

Women, especially at teenage years, are often pressured through media, looking up to celebrities and women represented as perfect in society. This can influence the reason why some want to change their appearance or actions, most people don't even notice imperfections but to themselves, wonder if they're beautiful enough.

I hope to learn more about how different people and generations perceive femininity, also why representations and expectations of women have changed over time.













Comments

  1. Christie Lim7 February 2018 at 04:18

    Your post was very informative on the portrayal of women. I agree with how young children, especially girls, are unfortunately already exposed to the forceful stereotypes in which they have to conform to.

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