The masculinization of identity among successful career women? A case study of Polish female managers
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Date
2014
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Wydawnictwo Naukowe UAM
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Abstract
One of the most fundamental principles which underpins the functioning of Western
societies is the gender binary system, based on the eternal division into men and women as
well as their social and biological predestination. Critiques of the binary system claim that
there is an apparent lack of symmetry between the polar opposites constituting the binary
system. The male‐female dichotomy appears to be asymmetrical since the binary opposition is
viewed as unequal: females are dominated and controlled by males and forced to perform less
significant, minor (less valued) social roles. Binarism refers to identity and social roles, as well
as to physical attributes of females and males. The consequence of binarism on the realm of
physicality is the view that a woman is obliged to constantly improve her attractiveness so that
she could be “won over in an impressive way” by “the best possible partner.” The main aim of
this article is examination of social anxiety over the effects of women’s emancipation, which is
believed to give rise to the masculinization of females, particularly those who have achieved
social and professional success, and aspire to (or have already acquired) a high social status,
income, or professional position. The theoretical considerations are confronted with results of
the qualitative research related to female managers’ identity.
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Keywords
masculinization, identity, career, emancipation, female managers
Citation
Journal of Gender and Power, No.1, Vol.1, 2014, pp. 25-47
ISBN
978-83-232-2732-8