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shoes symbolizing women v. men stereotypes

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My photo essay will be addressing the stereotypical gender norms and how in today’s day and age we are evolving breaking out of what specifically may seen as something boys/girls would typically do stereotypically. It starts off with this photo of heels and sneakers. The heels symbolize what women are typically imagined wearing to work/formal events while men typically are in more comfortable attire of sneakers on  the right. In the reading of West and Zimmerman it highlights how gender is seen as duties of men and women where their competency as members of society is determined by how they fit into their specific gender roles/fulfill these roles (West and Zimmerman, p.126). This photo plays into this idea because it shows how women are viewed to be dressed up and proper stereotypically while the sneakers symbolize men and how they are allowed to be more casual in stereotypical views.

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This photo depicts gender norms because it is an album cover poster which shows how the man is sitting and the woman is standing up behind him. In typical gender norms in previous times it has been noted how women were told to do what they were told and follow behind the men in their life. However times have evolved and now in the majority of aspects we are more equal. In the reading of Social Construct of Gender by Lorber it depicts how gender is seen as a routine aspect and how there are specific expectations in each gender in ways they should act and make decisions (Lorber 1994). This image clearly identifies that as the woman is behind the man because that is stereotypical role of women in previous times.

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symbolizes how you don't have to conform to societal norms

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This photo shows three smoothies and how one of them is larger than the others and is a different flavor and unlike the other ones. This symbolizes starting to break away from societal norms and could relate to gender norms because the larger smoothie that is pink acts as a female breaking away from the gender norms and making decisions based on personal interest. In the West and Zimmerman reading it talks about how gender roles are simply behavioral displays that are built in society and they can be broken away from (West and Zimmerman, p.128).

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pink workout material in the gym symbolizing breaking away from norms

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In this image it shows a pink gym leg strap being used on equipment. This symbolizes breaking away from gender stereotypes because the gym can be seen as an intimidating place for women sometimes and more of an area for men to workout freely. This shows how women should be able to step out of their comfort and do what they want to do regardless of what is typically a societal normal. In the reading of Why GWSS Still Matters the author Baker points out issues on Women's reproductive rights being threatened by administration and urges women to stand up and fight for their rights to their health/ways to help (Baker, 2020). This is an example of how it is important to break away from gender norms and focus on values that are important to us as individuals.

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This image shows a group of girls playing in a volleyball game. This is further depicting breaking away from gender roles and doing what pleases despite what societal views might have to say. Growing up I have heard how girls are often put in dance or cheer at an early age but it is important to encourage young girls to also do sports if they wish to and try new things while we are young and evolving. Sports and the gym should not stereotypically be something boys like to participate in and this photo symbolizes how everyone should do what they feel most comfortable in despite gender roles. The Lorber reading talked about how social construction can act as a restricting factor in both men and women and discourage them from doing what they wish to do due to societal views and this image helps to show that it is okay to break away from what your society may see as the norm (Lorber, 1994).