“The principal forms of our physical and social environment are fixed in representations…and we ourselves are fashioned in relation to them.” - Serge Moscovici

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Are the Identity-Relevant Domains Gendered Too?

While reading the Berger paper, I was waiting for an explanation or a list of "identity-relevant domains." I thought about parties, social gatherings, school (outside of the classroom), going out to bars or clubs etc. But as I continued to the Sundie and Grohmann papers I tried to think of how different brands of item (ie Porsches, Escalades) make the street/freeway/car show an identity-domain for men, but maybe not to the same extent for women. But women do have spheres were clothing or possessions communicate identity where men do not feel that same identity relevance. For example, one's swimsuit type speaks to a woman's identity at the beach or pool and at fancier social gatherings (ie the Oscars) only women are photographed modeling different designers, and men aren't. What are some other gendered identity-relevant domains? My inclination is that most domains are identity-relevant for women because we are most often being judged on physical attractiveness. Are important domains like the political sphere and the workplace gendered too in that women have to worry about communicating their identity more or less than men do?

1 comment:

  1. Absolutely! I think that the political sphere and the workplace are incredibly identity-relevant domains for women, and not really for men at all. Have you ever heard a political commentator comment on a male politician's suit? Probably not. How many times have you seen entire articles in fashion newspapers devoted to Sarah Palin or Michelle Obama's style choices? Both of which have been critiqued positively and negatively. In the workplace, women have much more freedom in their outfit choices. Should you wear a skirt or a dress or pants? For men, the answer is only and always pants. Should you wear a fashionable indoors scarf or not? For men, the answer is no. Should you wear a sweater or blouse or blazer? For men, the answer is always collared shirt. While having these choices is arguably great, it always leads to more competition and judgement of women based on their appearance and apparel choices.

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