“We're Supposed to Look Like Girls, But Act Like Boys”: Adolescent Girls’ Adherence to Masculinity Norms

Abstract

In the ecological systems perspective, gender ideologies are part of the macrosystem that shapes human development. A growing literature indicates that youth accommodate and resist such ideologies, with adherence to masculinity norms being linked with negative adjustment. Most masculinity research focuses on boys' adherence to masculinity, but girls are also pressured to uphold masculinity norms. Using mixed modeling, we examined girls' adherence to masculinity and psychological (self-esteem, depressive symptoms) and social (peer support and conflict) well-being in the United States (N = 407; M age = 12.28) and China (N = 356; M age = 12.41). In both countries, adherence to masculinity was negatively associated with psychosocial well-being. Chinese girls reported greater masculinity adherence, but associations with psychosocial well-being were not moderated by nationality.

Which Boys and Which Girls Are Falling Behind? Linking Adolescents’ Gender Role Profiles to Motivation, Engagement, and Achievement

“…In a recent study, adolescent girls claimed that "we're supposed to look like girls, but act like boys" (L. O. Rogers et al 2020). Echoing this sentiment, modern girls in the current study subscribed to conventional ideals of feminine beauty, while striving for an appearance of strength by keeping problems to themselves and disconnecting from others emotionally.…”

Empathy, Gratitude, and Resilience – Does Gender Make a Difference?

“…As mentioned earlier, one possible explanation could be based on the notion that interpersonal perceptions focus on emotional warmth and cognitive competence, as both aspects of a person's character may influence one's judgement and social behavior (Fiske, Cuddy, & Glick, 2007). Given societal gender-role expectations (Rogers et al, 2019), an emotionally warm orientation, defined as other-focused and motivated to improve interpersonal relations, is more often attributed to girls and adult females. Competence orientation and motivation, that is, a self-focus on one's own goals, is more often identified with the social male gender (Fiske et al, 2007).…”

Who Dreams of Badges? Gendered Self-Concept and Policing Career Aspirations

“…On the one hand, men and women are typically socialized to adhere to gender-specific traits whereby women may not be directly socialized toward pursuing a policing career. On the other hand, in a patriarchal society, everyone learns that masculine traits are considered superior to feminine traits and, to some extent, are expected to conform to certain types of masculinity while downplaying feminine characteristics (Rogers et al, 2020). Thus, some women may be attracted to policing partially due to the power associated with the masculine and anti-feminine images of policing.…”

“…This could even mean rethinking or revising the focus of the application and selection process. Further, recent research has linked adherence to masculine norms to poorer social psychological well-being for both men and women (Rogers et al, 2020). Thus, those who adhere to masculine norms may also be less likely to cope well with the stressful aspects of the job.…”