Discussing the Relationship Between Masculinity and Femininity

This essay delves into the concepts of hegemonic masculinity and emphasized femininity, examining their historical roots and contemporary manifestations. It defines hegemonic masculinity as a form of masculinity that establishes a hierarchy, positioning men as superior to women and those who do not conform to its norms as inferior. Emphasized femininity, conversely, is presented as a concept that reduces women to serving men's needs, including sexual validation, childbearing, and household duties. The essay references Virginia Woolf's and Dorothy L. Sayers' literary works to illustrate these concepts and critiques them through the lens of feminist theories, particularly Judith Butler's notion of gender as a social construct. It argues that while societal views have evolved, vestiges of these ideologies persist, perpetuating gender inequality and the subjugation of women, advocating for a fundamental shift in social frameworks and individual mindsets to foster true gender equality. Desklib provides access to similar essays and resources for students.

Running head: MASCULINITY AND FEMININITY
Masculinity and Femininity
Name of the Student:
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Author’s Note:

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“Women have served all these centuries as looking glasses possessing the magic and
delicious power of reflecting the figure of man at twice its natural size.”
The above quoted lines of the famous author Virginia Woolf from her work “A Room
of One's Own” provides a pertinent account of the nature of gender politics in the society. It
is significant to note that the since the traditional times the society of the human beings have
been dominated by the concepts of masculinity as well as the domination of this particular
gender over the other one. However, in the present times a change in the nature of this
particular status quo has been seen with the rise of various diverse views and theories. This
paper will focus on the concepts of hegemonic masculinity and emphasized femininity and
the relationship between these two concepts.
Hegemonic masculinity can be defined as the form of masculinity which “establishes
the idea is that any individual who doesn’t align with the notions of masculinity is inferior”.
In other words, it can be said that this particular concept of masculinity considers the men to
be exclusive as well as hierarchically superior in comparison to the female gender. The
concept of emphasized femininity, on the other hand, can be defined as the concept which
considers that “the ultimate reason for a woman’s survival is to provide man with sexual
validation, carry his babies and serve his household”. Therefore, it can be said that according
to this particular concept the primary reason for the existence of the female gender is to “cater
to the needs and the requirements of the male gender”. It is significant to note that the various
theories of Michael Foucault have been interpreted in the present times on the basis of this
particular concept. Therefore, the various theorists in the present times have propounded
theories to repudiate this particular concept. The opinion of Judith Butler is significant to note
in this particular context when she says that “gender is just a social construct which is used
by the society to maintain the power within it”. It is significant to note that in addition to her
various other feminists have repudiated this particular concept.

2MASCULINITY AND FEMININITY
The modern society and the views of the individuals have undergone much
transformation in the recent times from the ancient times. Yet there are several instances
where the practices of the concepts of hegemonic masculinity and emphasized femininity are
observed. The famous novel “Orlando” of Virginia Woolf gives a pertinent account of this
particular concept when she writes “As long as she thinks of a man, nobody objects to a
woman thinking” (Woolf & Chekhov 2013). Another example of this particular concept is
the novel “Gaudy Night” of Dorothy L. Sayers where she says “The rule seemed to be that a
great woman must either die unwed ... or find a still greater man to marry her. ... The great
man, on the other hand, could marry where he liked, not being restricted to great women”
(Sayers & Bray 2012). Therefore, it becomes apparent that the concepts of hegemonic
masculinity and emphasized femininity find adequate expression in the various forms of
Literature.
In everyday life as well the use of the concepts of hegemonic masculinity and
emphasized femininity can be seen. For example, most of the men even in the present time
feel that the sole role of the female gender is to serve the men gender and therefore, treat
them as the as the mere objects of sex and reproduction. It is sad to note that even in the
present century there are instances of “hegemonic masculinity and emphasized femininity” in
practice. I would like to comment here I personally believe these concepts are very demining
and insulting to the female gender. I would like to comment here that in the present times the
women are the weaker sex and they have made significant contribution towards the society
and the world.
To conclude, it can be said that although the concepts of “hegemonic masculinity and
emphasized femininity” are no longer in practice in the present yet the women folks are
judged on the same parameter. Furthermore, it is significant to note that the concepts of
“hegemonic masculinity and emphasized femininity” have been used since the ancient times

3MASCULINITY AND FEMININITY
to subvert the female gender. Therefore, there is a need of change within the social
framework which will not bring about a change in the social framework but will also change
the mindset of the people at large.

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References
Sayers, D. L., & Bray, S. (2012). Gaudy night. Presses Univ. Septentrion.
Woolf, V., & Chekhov, A. (2013). Chekhov's Three Sisters and Woolf's Orlando: Two
Renderings for the Stage. Theatre Communications Group.