Gender

Gender is being male or female but is also what you do at particular times rather than the universal who you actually are.

The stereotypical traits for a male to have are: to be independent, rough, brave, aggressive, nasty, active and physical.

Whereas the stereotypical traits for a woman to have are: to be sensitive, dependent, calm, gentle, unconfident and cowardly.

If not shown these typical stereotypes the person is then classed to be more feminine than masculine and the other way round a although not necessarily true.

Masculinity and femininity are determined by: attitudes, behaviour, aspirations and expectations.

The idea of the stereotypes of gender have changed over time as women have become more and more independent instead of depending on the man.


Kill Bill Fight Scene:




It is clear to see from this video that the women do not suit the stereotype for being a woman. Being aggressive and violent is meant to be a male trait so they are therefor shown to be more masculine than feminine as women are quiet and calm and they was definitely not calm. This goes against the stereotype of women completely and is showing them off in a masculine way.


Shirley from Eastenders:




This also goes against the idea of the stereotypes between how a man and woman should act. The woman should respect the man but this shows actually the woman holding all the power at this specific moment and not being shy, gentle and not confident at all. In fact the opposite. She is shown to be a masculine character anyway and holds a lot of the stereotypical traits of the male and is shown to be quite intimidating which is what a girl is not meant to be at all.