Femininity and Self-Esteem

Femininity and “femininity” are hot topics these days. We may encounter uncertainty while discussing holy gender, womanhood, sororities, etc.

Usually two sorts of confusion:

On femininity first.
Exactly what is femininity?
Femininity—all the features, behaviours, feelings, beliefs, talents, and abilities associated with women—is a complex concept.

It can include physical qualities like body shape or attire, behavioural traits like gentleness, empathy, and sensitivity, or talents like communication, caregiving, creativity, and leadership.

Psychologically, femininity perceptions affect mental health and emotional well-being. As you can see, femininity may be shown through dress, hairstyles, compassion, kindness, and sensitivity.

Thus, feminine women wear outfits that highlight their curves, have long hair, and get their nails done.

It is crucial to note that femininity is a social construct that has evolved and varies by culture. In Western cultures, femininity is connected with softness, sensitivity, delicacy, compassion, and patience. These standards can be questioned, updated, or reevaluated based on socio-cultural circumstances and times.

These norms can harm mental health and self-esteem. Some women may feel compelled to meet these unrealistic ideals and devalue, judge, and even develop eating and mental health disorders.

The second misconception concerns what is most significant in this femininity, which Camille Froidevaux-Metterie calls “of a relationship with oneself, to each other and to the world.” This definition of the philosopher approaches the feminine.

In this relationship with oneself, others, and the world, one no longer finds oneself in "feminine" traits but in a more essential space where gentleness and vulnerability have their place, especially in our relationship with the body. Our body is fragile during menstruation and menopause due to the feminine cycle and carrying our children.

A less mental, more sensitive body that is more conscious of frailty is essential for women. In all the feminine questions, one comes up frequently... Does wearing heels, makeup, earrings, etc. boost self-esteem and make us more feminine?

We judge ourselves by self-esteem. It depends on how we view our qualities and restrictions and how much we value them. Female self-perception is directly tied to feminine identity and societal pressure.

Codes were taught to us by women's magazines and teen flicks. Codes that say we can become women with these traits.

Social norms of femininity are strict. We are regarded for our beauty, subtlety, and sensitivity. It is possible to feel like you must be flawless in every way, especially in appearance, behaviour, and emotions. This social pressure might lower self-esteem.

Some of us feel insecure because we think these unrealistic expectations are hard to meet. Due to social pressure, they may struggle with self-confidence. This can cause eating and psychological issues such sadness, anxiety, dissociation, and failure dread. Self-esteem affects one's femininity perception.

Women who are "at peace" with themselves and feel comfortable about themselves may view their femininity positively. Conversely, a woman without self-confidence may struggle to accept herself as a woman, which might affect her femininity.

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