- Modern femininity espouses a break from the traditional gender roles assigned to women.
- However, research claims that the modern feminine lifestyle comes with its own challenges.
What Is Modern Femininity?
Modern femininity is a term that refers to the contemporary concept of what it means to be a woman in today’s society. It is characterized by a set of values and behaviors that are often considered to be different from the traditional gender-defined roles that women have played in the past.
A Modernization Of Femininity
A defining feature of modern femininity is the rejection of traditional gender roles that encouraged young women to find happiness and fulfillment through marriage, motherhood, and homemaking.
Modern feminine lifestyles encourage women to pursue careers, assert their independence, and challenge traditional notions of femininity. This shift towards a more progressive and liberated view of womanhood has been lauded by many as a necessary step towards gender equality and advancement.
Moreover, in recent decades, modern femininity has included modern feminism, co-opting for the ideals of Black and queer feminist theories. It serves to uplift marginalized groups of society and address interconnected issues of gender, race, and sexuality.
Femininity In Modern Society: Challenges
However, this newfound freedom associated with modern femininity comes at a cost. Modern femininity highlights individualism, personal achievement, and a warring position against societal biases.
Women are expected to be self-sufficient, confident, and successful in all areas of their lives. They are required to be perfect mothers, wives, and partners, all while maintaining a picture-perfect appearance. The constant pressure to be perfect and excel in all areas of life can lead to poor mental health marked by:
- Burnout
- Depressive symptoms
- Anxiety
- Low self-esteem
- Feelings of inadequacy
Additionally, women are encouraged to explore their sexuality and prioritize their own pleasure. The pressure to be sexually liberated can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and confusion.
Modern femininity puts great emphasis on being untraditional and often rejects traditional feminine traits such as nurturing, empathy, and emotional vulnerability. Because of this, women are frequently discouraged from expressing emotions such as sadness, fear, or vulnerability. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Approaching Modern Femininity
While modern femininity has allowed women to break free from traditional gender roles and pursue their dreams, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Therefore, it is important to recognize that there is no one “right” way to be a woman.
We should remember that it is alright to embrace more traditional femininity if that is what feels authentic and fulfilling. At the same time, we should normalize the reality that many women find fulfillment in singlehood and professional success and not traditional gender roles.
