“Doing gender” is a phrase coined in the realm of sociology and gender studies, notably by Candace West and Don H. Zimmerman in their 1987 paper “Doing Gender.” This idea pertains to the enactment of conduct, deeds, and responsibilities that correspond to societal gender norms (Schoepfli, 2011). Instead of viewing gender as an unchanging characteristic, “doing gender” proposes that gender is an actively generated and perpetuated phenomenon through daily exchanges.
Instances of “performing gender” can be observed in various facets of everyday existence (Schoepfli, 2011). For instance, a woman adorning her face with cosmetics before commencing her day, or a man ensuring his appearance exudes a robust, masculine aura, are both engaging in actions that align with conventional gender norms. Another illustration could be caregivers urging their sons to engage with toy trucks and their daughters to engage with dolls, thereby reinforcing societal notions about which pastimes are appropriate for boys and girls.
We acquire the skill of appropriately expressing our gender through diverse socialization methods. One approach involves familial engagement, in which guardians and siblings frequently exhibit gender-specific behavior. For example, a young lad may grasp the notion that “boys do not weep,” while a girl may be instructed to exhibit nurturing tendencies by tending to dolls. Another avenue is through media exposure, where films, TV programs, and commercials commonly portray characters in distinctly gendered positions, presenting women as nurturers and men as providers or heroic figures.
In the past week, I may have “done” gender by adhering to professional dress code standards that align with my gender identity. For example, if I am a man and choose to wear a suit and tie for a business meeting, this choice aligns with traditional masculine attire in many Western professional contexts. If I am a woman and I opt to wear a dress or a blouse and skirt to the same type of meeting, this would be performing gender according to feminine norms of dress. These behaviors, though they may seem trivial or inconsequential, are part of a broader pattern of gender performance that reinforces societal expectations and understandings of gender.
Reference
Schoepfli, T. (2011). Doing gender. Creative sociology.