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Femmephobia is the denigration, silencing, and policing of femininity in any and all genders. It has to do with societal biases that attack people who behave like women, irrespective of gender identity. This bias can take many forms, including social exclusion, bullying, and humiliation in public.[1] It is distinct from misogyny since misogyny is women-hating, whereas femmephobia is femme-hating and can be applied to all genders.[2] Femmephobia is predominantly directed towards LGBTQ individuals and is also seen as a form of homophobia.
Reasons
Societal structures frequently place a higher value on masculinity than femininity, resulting in the perception of femininity as inferior. This dynamic reinforces strict gender norms and contributes to the devaluation of feminine expressions.[3]
Cultural norms that associate masculinity with strength and femininity with weakness contribute to the development of femmephobia. These norms often pressure men to reject feminine traits in order to align with traditional masculine ideals, thereby perpetuating negative attitudes toward femininity.[4]
Negative attitudes toward femininity, particularly when exhibited by men, are a significant factor contributing to anti-gay behaviors. Research indicates that discomfort with male femininity is a stronger predictor of such behaviors than other factors, including social dominance or authoritarian beliefs.[5]
Societal expectations frequently restrict femininity to specific bodies or identities, reinforcing rigid norms surrounding gender expression. This regulation of femininity perpetuates the notion that it is excessive or inappropriate in certain contexts, thereby contributing to the prevalence of femmephobia.[6]
Etymology
The term femmephobia is a combination of the word femme, a French term meaning woman, and the suffix "-phobia," which signifies fear or aversion. In modern usage, "femme" refers to individuals who express or identify with femininity, regardless of their gender identity. Thus, femmephobia refers to the aversion to, hatred toward or devaluation of femininity itself, impacting people across the gender spectrum.[7][better source needed]
The concept of femmephobia has been explored in various contexts, particularly its role in reinforcing rigid gender norms, marginalizing feminine expressions and penalising any queered notions of femininity.[8] Research suggests that the societal devaluation of femininity can result in discrimination and violence against individuals who display feminine traits, regardless of their gender.
Types
Anti-Femininity Bias
This form involves the systemic devaluation of feminine traits and expressions, often privileging masculinity and regarding femininity and things regarded as feminine inherently inferior to masculinity.[9] Individuals exhibiting feminine qualities may face discrimination or be perceived as less competent or capable.[10] For example, in men's sports, femmephobia is used to shame, motivate or embarrass participants by linking femininity to weakness and mistakes.[11]
Gender Policing
Femmephobia reinforces rigid adherence to traditional gender norms and binaries, regulates femininity that deviates from patriarchal norm[12] and punishes those who deviate from expected gendered behaviors. For instance, men who express femininity may face ridicule or social exclusion, which perpetuates the belief that femininity is unsuitable for certain genders.[6]
Invisibility and Marginalization
Individuals who identify as femme may encounter invisibility within both LGBTQIA+ and broader communities. Their expressions of femininity are often overlooked, invalidated or dismissed, resulting in feelings of isolation and a lack of representation.[13] Femmephobia suggests that there is a "masc privilege" within queer communities.[14]
Internalized Femmephobia
Internalized femmephobia occurs when individuals adopt societal biases against femininity, resulting in self-rejection or self-hatred of their feminine traits. This internalized prejudice can negatively impact mental health and self-esteem.[citation needed]
See also
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References
- ^ "Femmephobia: What's the Impact?". www.trentarthur.ca. Retrieved 2024-12-19.
- ^ Hoskin, Rhea Ashley; Serafini, Toni; Gillespie, Julia G. (2023). "Femmephobia versus gender norms: Examining women's responses to competing and contradictory gender messages". The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality. 32 (2): 191–207. doi:10.3138/cjhs.2023-0017. ISSN 2291-7063.
- ^ "Postdoctoral researcher challenges femmephobia and the harm it causes | Arts". uwaterloo.ca. Retrieved 2024-12-19.
- ^ "Femmephobia: Q&A with Dr. Rhea Ashley Hoskin". trentarthur.ca. Retrieved 2024-12-19.
- ^ Hoskin, Rhea Ashley; Blair, Karen L; Holmberg, Diane (2023-10-02). "Femmephobia Is a Uniquely Powerful Predictor of Anti-Gay Behavior". Archives of Sexual Behavior. 53 (1): 127–140. doi:10.1007/s10508-023-02704-5. PMC 10794376. PMID 37783952.
- ^ a b Opinion (2015-05-05). "Selfcare Warfare: Femme-what? Femmephobia". The Aggie. Retrieved 2024-12-19.
- ^ "femmephobia", Wiktionary, the free dictionary, 2024-11-03, retrieved 2024-12-19
- ^ Farris, D. Nicole; Compton, D'Lane R.; Herrera, Andrea P. (2020-01-01). Gender, Sexuality and Race in the Digital Age. Springer Nature. p. 126. ISBN 978-3-030-29855-5.
- ^ Zempi, Irene; Smith, Jo (2021-08-26). Misogyny as Hate Crime. Routledge. p. 1963. ISBN 978-1-000-43034-9.
- ^ "Valuing femininity | Queen's Gazette". www.queensu.ca. Retrieved 2024-12-19.
- ^ Molnár, Győző; Bullingham, Rachael (2022-07-29). The Routledge Handbook of Gender Politics in Sport and Physical Activity. Taylor & Francis. p. 2028. ISBN 978-1-000-60044-5.
- ^ Goldberg, Abbie E. (2024-01-16). The Sage Encyclopedia of LGBTQ+ Studies, 2nd Edition. SAGE Publications. ISBN 978-1-0718-9138-4.
- ^ Blair, Karen L.; Hoskin, Rhea Ashley (2015-07-03). "Experiences of femme identity: coming out, invisibility and femmephobia". Psychology & Sexuality. 6 (3): 229–244. doi:10.1080/19419899.2014.921860. ISSN 1941-9899.
- ^ Holleb, Morgan Lev Edward (2019-04-18). The A-Z of Gender and Sexuality: From Ace to Ze. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. p. 115. ISBN 978-1-78450-663-6.