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OCR
IZOLDA TAKÁCS: THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY One possible combination of gender identity is thus (1) the so-called “progressive identifiers” group, which labels women who do not identify with the cluster of women at all, and refuse the traditional definition of women. They claim furthermore that these attributes are artificial and serve to maintain the subordination of women, which is why they intend to redefine them.”*” Those women, however, who belong to the (2) “traditional identifiers” group tend to internalize the traditional gender identities and prefer to stay at home and take care of the family. They define themselves within the scope of traditional male-female relationships, and they therefore accept the contents associated with traditional women. Their attitude and behaviour confirms traditional roles in all areas. Becker and Wagner have pointed out that, according to Condor, women falling into this category do not think (and experience) that their role has a lower status than that of men, neither question their place in society. They in fact think women are positively distinguished from men. This attitude ultimately contributes to the continuation of the status quo. Their quantitative research also established that this group mainly consists of housewives and anti-feminists.”°* The women they labelled (3) “progressive non-identifiers” do not identify with the female role at all. Though the women in this category accept and acknowledge the traits and characteristics considered to be manly, as well as negative stereotypes referring to women, they consider themselves to be exceptions. They consider men to be their reference group. If these women enter a male collective of higher prestige therefore, they identify less with the cluster of women and assimilate, even going as far as striving to be rid of female traits and characteristics. The results of Condor as well as Becker and Wagner show that, because academic success and results are also associated with male traits, women with career and university students are the primary demographic of this group.” The fourth group is that of (4) “traditional non-identifiers”. The subjects associated with this group claim women to be dependent, thereby accepting traditional gender roles as well. The authors state that women with this attitude also support the gender status quo, while neither being particularly womanly nor manly; in fact, they identify with their husbands rather than other members of their gender group.” This group consists mainly of housewives for whom femininity, and gender in general, plays little to no role. Van Breen and associates believe on the other hand that an approach establishing multiple identities (the multiple identities approach, referred to henceforth as MIA) is required, which can portray further differences (or overlaps) between gender-specific attitudes, this not being possible with GIM. 257 Ibidem. 258 Becker-Wagner: Doing Gender Differently, 490. Becker-Wagner: Doing Gender Differently. 260 Ibidem. 259 + 82 +
