Exploring femininity: a social contructionist approach

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the lived experiences of women who felt that they had to reject their femininity in favour of masculinity, and who later reclaimed their femininity. The epistemological framework of this study is social constructionism. This study involves in-depth interviews with three women who rejected their femininity and subsequently either reclaimed, or are in the process of reclaiming their femininity. The data was analysed using Hermeneutics. The participants' stories were recounted through the researcher's lens in the form of themes that characterised the rejection and the reclaiming of their femininity. A comparative analysis between the three participants was undertaken. The information gained could assist professionals in understanding the process involved in why some women reject and later reclaim their femininity.