Question

How is femininity explained in the text, and how is it different from the biological sex, “female.” Using specific examples, discuss why societies perpetrate issues such as sexism, double standards, and objectification of women.

Answer 1

Femininity

The sum of all attributes that are femininne or convey womenhood is called Femininity. Feminine is the word that pertaining to the female Gender or something that belonging to female or typically used by females. Certain behaviours and practices are considered as being feminine. Sensitivity, gentleness, humility and empathy are considered as feminine traits.

Difference between femininity and biological sex

Biological sex of a person is based on the anatomy of an individual ( especially reproductive system) and secondary sex characteristics. Gender refers to the roles of a person in society based on the sex of a person and gender identity is the internal awareness regarding ones own gender.

Some people biological sex may not align with their attributes

For example a boy , who feels like woman, interested to be appear like female, talks girlish way and behave like female and these gender related aspects are not biological.

The society perpetrates issues such as sexism, double standards and objectification of women.

Sexism

The belief that people of one sex or gender are inherently superior to people of the other sex and gender. Different treatment or discrimination based on a difference of sex or gender.

For example;Most of the company's management people might be males, hardly one or two females will be there. Discrimination can be seen here.

Double standards

The situation of two or more groups, one of which is tacitly excused from following a standard generally regarded as applying to all groups.

Example: Men are allowed to wear any type of clothing and exhibit certain body parts publicly ( shirtless appearance), but most of the countries are not allowing women to be topless.

Objectification

It is the act of degrading or treating a person as an object. Objectification of women means considering the woman as an object for sexual desire or sexual satisfaction. Objectification of women causes degradation of their personality and dignity.

Example: Objectification of woman can be seen in advertisements and films. Women are used by companies as an object to show sex hunger ( if a male use a spray of that company, girl become addicted to the sex desire with the man)