As explained by West and Zimmerman (1987), people do gender. That is people follow a complex set of shared rules about acting masculine or feminine in different social settings. Whether at home, school, work, or any public space for that matter, people do and perform gender. But just what does it mean to perform “femininity” or what behaviors do we associate with acting “masculine”? Students will go out into the field and observe the various ways that individuals perform gender in public spaces. This will enable you to pinpoint qualities and behaviors that are constructed as masculine and those that are constructed as feminine. You must choose a location in which there is a high degree of interaction, mainly socializing between men and women, e.g., student center, shopping mall, or a coffee shop. After you have selected a field site, you should plan to spend at least a half hour observing. Remember, bring a notebook to record your field notes. Questions to think about during your observation: What are the individuals doing? (I.e., describe general activities going on) What are their roles or occupations? (For example, if you are in a coffee shop – describe the staff vs. the customers. What are the men and women doing?) How are they dressed? (I.e., describe the sample. Note any gender differences) How are they speaking? What are they saying? (I.e., what are people talking about, how are they conversing, etc. Note any gender differences) How are they acting? Body Language? (I.e., how are they dancing, sitting, etc. Note any gender differences) An analysis of your observations must be written up in standard paper format of approximately 3-5 typed, double-spaced pages (in 12 point, Times New Roman font or the equivalent). Be sure to clearly indicate the dates/times/location and a description of the site/setting. When using source materials (e.g., when you refer to the concept of doing gender by West and Zimmerman), always properly cite them (APA citation format preferred)! For your analysis, expand upon your observations to discuss any observed gender differences. Questions to consider in your analysis: Where are the women? Where are the men? Are there any differences in the jobs or tasks that they are doing? Are there any differences in status? What (if any) are clear differences in dress, style, appearance, conversation, and body language? What significance do you think all of these differences have in terms of “doing gender”? From your observations, what can you conclude about the performance of gender in that particular pubic domain (i.e., is there a lot, a little, or some conformity to traditional gender roles)? Do you notice any significant challenges to traditional gender categories? Finally, you must note how you felt observing others and how your own social status/identity could influence your observations. source required: West, C. and D. Zimmerman. 1987. “Doing Gender.” Gender and Society 1, 2: 125–51
