Purchasing Femininity: The College Experience

In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the commodification of womanhood on college campuses. From sorority rush to beauty pageants to the pressure to conform to certain standards of femininity, young women are bombarded with messages that suggest their worth is tied to their appearance and ability to fit traditional gender roles.

The idea of buying womanhood is not a new one. There has long been a cultural expectation for women to adhere to certain norms and standards, but the rise of social media and the increased visibility of these expectations have led to greater scrutiny and pushback.

One of the most visible examples of buying womanhood on college campuses is the annual sorority recruitment process. During rush week, young women are expected to dress in a certain way, present themselves in a specific manner, and conform to the standards of femininity set by the sorority houses. This can often mean spending a significant amount of money on new clothes, hair and makeup services, and other items in order to fit in and be accepted into the sorority.

The pressure to conform to these standards can be overwhelming, and can reinforce harmful ideas about a woman’s worth being tied to her appearance and ability to fit traditional gender roles. This can have serious consequences for young women, including a negative impact on their self-esteem and body image.

Another example of buying womanhood on college campuses is the prevalence of beauty pageants. While some argue that these pageants can be a way for young women to gain scholarship money and build confidence, they also often perpetuate harmful stereotypes about women and reinforce the idea that their worth is tied to their physical appearance.

The pageant industry also encourages young women to spend large amounts of money on clothing, coaching, and other expenses in order to compete, creating a culture of exclusivity and competition that can be damaging to the self-esteem of those who don’t fit the traditional mold of pageant contestants.

In addition to these more formal examples, there are also countless subtle ways in which the pressure to conform to traditional standards of womanhood can manifest on college campuses. From the pressure to constantly look and dress a certain way to the expectation to adhere to traditional gender roles in relationships, young women are bombarded with messages that their worth is tied to their ability to conform to these standards.

This pressure can manifest in a variety of ways, from subtle comments and judgments to more overt forms of discrimination and exclusion. This can have serious consequences for the mental and emotional well-being of young women, and can create an environment in which they feel they have to constantly perform and conform in order to be accepted and valued.

So, what can be done to address the issue of buying womanhood on college campuses? There is no easy answer, as the pressure to conform to traditional standards of femininity is deeply ingrained in our culture. However, there are steps that can be taken to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for young women on college campuses.

First and foremost, it is important for college campuses to actively challenge and deconstruct traditional gender norms and expectations. This can include implementing policies that promote diversity and inclusion, providing resources and support for young women who feel marginalized or excluded, and creating spaces for open and honest conversations about the pressure to conform to traditional standards of womanhood.

It is also important for college campuses to actively promote and celebrate the diversity of experiences and identities among women. This can include providing platforms for young women to share their stories and experiences, promoting positive representations of women in the media and popular culture, and creating spaces for young women to explore and celebrate their own unique identities and experiences.

In addition, it is important for college campuses to actively challenge and deconstruct the idea that a woman’s worth is tied to her appearance and ability to conform to traditional gender roles. This can include promoting body positivity and self-confidence, challenging harmful stereotypes and expectations about women, and providing resources and support for young women who struggle with body image and self-esteem issues.

Ultimately, the issue of buying womanhood on college campuses is a complex and multi-faceted one, and there is no easy solution. However, by actively promoting diversity and inclusion, challenging traditional gender norms and expectations, and providing resources and support for young women, college campuses can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for all students. It is time for us to recognize the harmful effects of buying womanhood and work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.