Why is femininity degraded, but masculinity is socially accepted?

Question

Fashion promotes the social double standard society wants to deny even exists. We have the men's area of attire and of course, the women's fashion seem to be the motivating force the clothing industry thrives on. Women obviously have a lot more choices then men do. However, we can often observe women wearing men's attire, even under a "women's brand". Society has come to accept this and even promotes the look. Men, on the other hand, have been degraded for wearing anything resembling feminine apparel. One can only conclude from this practice that femininity is considered a sub gender level to the masculine ideal. To me, this is a double standard.

Is this something you have noticed? If so, Is it something that needs to be addressed more vigorously, so that every one can feel they are treated equally. By the way, are there men who are feminine or have feminine tendencies and likewise, are there women who are masculine or have masculine tendencies?

Answer 1

I know some very masculine men who wear pink. They do not let their clothes define who they are.

Who degrades femininity? And who says that women or men have to follow any specific social constraints?

I say that everyone should dress in whatever they find most comfortable and flattering.

Answer 2

Because society is full of stupid idiots

If a man wears something that is tight or more form fitting most people will think he is gay, if he stands in a certain way they'll think he's gay, if he has certain habits...you get my point

As we grow up we are always shown how men and women are supposed to act, and we are given the impression that any man who doesn't act that way must be gay.

In this day and age there is a growing number of people who don't care about these stereotypes but the problem is most people do. The only reason this double-standard exists is because most people can't handle anything different, they fear things that are different.

If a guy wears make-up or a skirt or anything like that, good for him, it might not be what I'd do but I'm not him so he can do whatever he wants. Same about a guy who wants to wear baggy clothes, I wouldn't do that but if he does he can and I won't judge.

In a perfect world people should be able to dress and act how they want, but well this world is far from perfect.

Answer 3

I draw my answer from the other 8 crewmembers aboard this vessel I'm on in the Gulf of Mexico as I type...aside from my own opinion, of course.
We adore femininity to our core. Whether that refers to dress code or behaviour, we prefer that to the alternative. This is not say we'd be averse to some of the things the fashion houses have coughed up...or the ideas and dreams women gravitate towards in this day and age. I think you look too hard into the whole style of dress issue. In our opinion, the ladies we run across wear very feminine clothing more often than not. Masculine women, the other 8 men say, are the stuff fleeting sexual fantasies are made of...not the girl you want to keep around.
You are right in your view of men in feminine clothing, however. The word from my crewmates is that a man dressed in a feminine manner might be accepted among his peers...say in a metropolitan area where a man might do so. The only men we can think of who would so are metrosexuals, homosexuals and men who let fashion concious women dress them. Why would a man want to wear clothing of that cut? Isn't it akin to denial, or wearing a costume? To advertise your sexuality?

Answer 4

The only people degrading femininity are feminists. They'd like to pretend men & women are interchangeable & femininity is threatening to their cause.

Masculinity is very far from social acceptance to the point where it's almost illegal.

Men are told they need to "cry more" or "share their feelings more."

Men that group together & behave even the slightest bit masculine will be told by women "Oh, there's too much testosterone in the room."

If a man makes a dirty joke at work, it's off to go get some "sensitivity training" or just clean out his desk because he's been fired.

Think about the concept of "sensitivity training" & how that relates to feminine/masculine natural tendencies.

How would you like "toughen up training" at your work when you got emotional over something or made a joke about kittens?

No, men are getting a very clear message from society that if you act masculine, there's something wrong with you.

Men have to share their feeling just like a woman does or he's apparently "broken."

Answer 5

I think fashion as a whole is a waste of everyones time. People should wear what's most comfortable, takes the least amount of time to put on, and suits the occasion most. You can still look classy in simple attire. I think male clothing reflects this more; also it's functional. When a man wears a dress, he looks like a vain fool.

Answer 6

I have noticed this, but I think you have taken it a bit too far and off course.


Men who are seen as feminine are seen as soft and weak.

This is a result of two things: 1-That this is still a commonly held belief 2- Men MUST be strong blah blah blah.


I don't think it is meant as a disrespect for the female and feminity, but just as a social injustice and those sleighted are men.


But, way to make women look bad (sarcasm!)

Answer 7

I'm SO glad that I'm not the only one who thinks this is a problem. I hate shopping for clothing, simply because men's clothing are so utterly boring. There's very little in the way of individualism that one can see in the designs.. most of it screams "Buy me and be as bland and insipid as the sales staff!".

Answer 8

No matter how you slice it, males in feminine clothing will always be target for ridicule. Just something you have to deal with. I say just wear mens clothes, but people will do what they want.

Answer 9

Well fashion 200-300 years ago had men in wigs & high heels. It was the men who were more fashion concience.

However, I have noticed that it is rare to see the skin of men. Of course it's normal to see part of their neck, hands but showing anyother skin seems kinda taboo. I think it's a gay-a-phobic trend since the 1960's IDK ... but watching old movies in historical order has lead me to belive this trend. This suck 4 me 'cause I love man legs!!!

Answer 10

women have also been ridiculed. when women started wearing pants, for example, we were the laughing stock. also, little girls who dress like boys are disparingly called tomboys.

men have taken on feminine clothes & styles, too (probably being ridiculed at first, as well). for example, they can wear their hair long, wear earrings, jewlery. i've seen one man in a skirt (and he wasn't in scotland!)

also, transgenders dress as females. depending on where you live, this may be "acceptable' (to a degree) or not.

i do agree women have more choices, but there are times i envy men - they always seem to have pockets on their shirts, jackets or pants. their shoes look so comfortable! there is less complication. less matching. no moral judgments passed on what you wear~