College and University Blog
Images of Femininity
For centuries in China, foot binding produced unnaturally small and deformed feet. This was a feminine ideal. In parts of Africa and Asia, neck rings still signify femininity, even though it sometimes renders their wearers crippled and dependent on others. These examples are proof that femininity is defined differently by different cultures.
In Western culture femininity has traditionally included characteristics such as gentleness, patience, kindness, and other nurturing qualities. Traits that are traditionally considered feminine may be categorized into physical differences (narrower shoulders, larger breasts, wider hips, less body hair, etc.); psychological and behavioral differences (a concern for relationships, empathy, sympathy, etc.) and social differences (ornamentation, career choices, leisure pursuits, etc.). It is also important to note that femininity is closely related to