(WEARING A SKIRT FOR MY)SOCIOLOGY CLASS. HELP NEEDED.

[Dans-le-Vent]

As a part of my Sociology of Sex and Gender class the first big 100 point assignment so happens to be to violate a gender norm then write a paper about it. Violate a gender norm? I can't think of a day where I don't do that.

So I decided, easily, that I was going to wear a skirt, shop around the mall, see the reactions. But I think I might honestly need a little help on the whole history of the male in skirts movement. Where could I find more information on that?


It seems there's a wealth of knowledge on this site that help point me in the right direction.

[crfriend]

I can't think of a day where I don't [violate a "gender norm"].

The magic in this is that you're dealing in sociology -- one of the most tenuous "sciences" around. The big problem here is precisely defining what a "gender norm" is, because the notion varies from society to society, and even within class within various societies. We "in the west" can fairly flatly state that a guy in a skirt is violating a "gender norm"; is this the case, say, in Bhutan where national dress for guys includes what looks to western eyes like skirts? How about the Polynesian in his sarong? Or just the random bloke who's had it with his legs being incessantly rubbed by stiff and harsh fabrics and decided to "shove both legs down one pipe"? Do any of those violate "gender norms"?

Is the dad who stays home to look after the youngsters whilst his wife draws a batter paycheck than he might violating "gender norms"?

Is the bloke with long hair who decides one day to tie it back with a bow violating "gender norms"? (Viz some of the paintings of the "Founding Fathers" of the USA.)

How about the bloke with earrings?

What I'm driving at is that so much of what we perceive as "gender-based" behaviour is, in point of fact, not gender-based at all. For me to properly take care of my hair (which I do not do a good job of, mind) takes time, and yet somehow taking care of one's hair is considered "girly" -- nevermind the assorted accoutrements required to restrain it when it needs restraining! Is a guy violating a "gender norm" when he sweeps his kilt under him when he sits down?

To all of the above, I will posit a "No."

So I decided, easily, that I was going to wear a skirt, shop around the mall, see the reactions.

Better yet, see if you can get somebody who can discretely follow you around and take notes of others' reactions. Call it a "science experiment".

From personal experience, I don't seem to get too many "second takes", but then again, I may just tune those out. Putting a quantifiable number on the notion (even given the vagaries of location and what goes with that) might be interesting.

But I think I might honestly need a little help on the whole history of the male in skirts movement. Where could I find more information on that?

The "history" of the "Men In Skirts" movement is fractured at best, and not there at all at worst. Some history may be found -- at least as it pertains to this community -- in the very oldest threads here. There are hints that the notion has been around for quite a while, but they're just that -- hints -- with no way of proving them.

Good luck with your assignment. The hardest part will be actually defining what "gender norm" you wish to break by way of experiment; the documentation will be vastly easier.

[skirtyscot]

Well, DlV, it seems Carl has just written half of your essay for you!

If you go around violating gender norms like that every day, maybe you have already got the people in your local mall used to seeing a man in a skirt, and that will affect your results. You may need to visit another mall fifty miles away as a control.

Or if half the class decide to do the same thing, between you you will change the norm. Now that would be a good result!

As for having someone watch the shoppers' reactions, I am reminded of my skirted walk up a mountain last week, as reported on this site. Son One noticed loads of funny looks but I saw hardly any. I think we were both trying to bolster our preconcieved notions by seeing whatever supported our own (opposing) views! So make sure your observer is careful to be objective!

Man, you are going to get an A++ for this!

[couyalair]

As others have said, we can't rely in our own observations to draw conclusions about what the public thinks of our clothes. People in the west are generally brought up to be discreet, to respect other people's privacy and even their opinions, not to hurt other people's feelings, and so on. We therefore tend to look the other way to avoid expressing thoughts that might contravene these rules.

Lots of people turn their eyes away from me and my skirt/kiltss, even in situations where it is quite usual to exchange a friendly nod or a hi! They don't want to be forced into giving an opinion or showing disapproval -- or even into showing approval, as this might be interpreted as an invitation to get friendly (who wants to risk being seen a friend of a wierdo?).

Someone else, walking a few metres behind, would I am sure get quite a different view of things. He'd see the stares, the twisting necks, even hear the muttered comments.

Today, we also want to appear modern and broad-minded; showing that we don't like someone's odd-ball style would reveal how narrow-minded we are at heart. We'd rather appear blasé, "been there - done that", and pretend not to be surprised at any new style, turning our jaded gaze elsewhere. Do you stare at fashionable young men with their trousers round their knees? Do you tell them how daft they look with their underpants on view? Of course not.

"Don't stare - it's rude" was perhaps a good thing to tell children a generation ago. Today it would be "Don't stare -- it will make you look naive."

So I think that reports such as "I went out wearing a green wig, and nobody raised an eyebrow" give only half the story.

Martin

[couyalair]

Or if half the class decide to do the same thing, between you you will change the norm. Now that would be a good result!

Outstanding in fact.

Do try !

Martin

[skirtyscot]

So when is your day "in the field"?

[Kirbstone]

Then there was the Nobel Prize winning Kerry farmer.....because he was out standing in his own field!

Tom K.

[Milfmog]

Then there was the Nobel Prize winning Kerry farmer.....because he was out standing in his own field!

Tom,

You're lucky not to be sent to stand in the corner with jokes like that...

Have fun,


Ian.

[Since1982]

Tom, I don't care, that was an OUTSTANDING story. Keep up the good work!!

[skirtyscot]

So how did it go, Dans-le-vent?

[Hemitom]

I second that!! How did your day go in a skirt?? did you get the Credit for your project??