Quiet, polite, proper, mindful, gentle, calm, obedient, passive and submissive. These are just some of the ideals women have been expected to strive for throughout history, always struggling with feelings of being “too much”, and afraid of being labeled as hysterical, too sensitive, too loud, too bitchy, too emotional. The pressure to embody these ideals is deeply problematic because it reinforces power imbalances between genders and stifles women’s emotional autonomy. This dynamic is rooted in power relations that favor male dominance, often marginalizing women by confining us to passive, nurturing, and non-confrontational roles, and limiting our ability to assert ourselves in public, professional, and private spheres. The facade of passivity and calmness of a graceful decorative flower enforces a hierarchy where men are seen as rational and authoritative, while women are relegated to emotionally supportive roles. This imbalance sustains male dominance in leadership, decision-making, and societal influence, perpetuating gender inequality.
1/3
↓Women’s emotions, particularly anger or assertiveness, have historically been seen as disruptive to the idealized facade of femininity. Anger, for example, is often dismissed as “hysteria” or “overreaction” in women, trivializing legitimate emotional responses to injustice or mistreatment. This expectation forces women to suppress our emotions, especially those that challenge the status quo, leading to emotional repression. Over time, this suppression can result in internalized frustration, anxiety, or even depression, as women are discouraged from expressing emotions that conflict with our prescribed roles.
2/3↓These social constructs also often place women in positions where we prioritize others’ needs over our own, reinforcing the notion that we should be nurturing, accommodating, and conflict-avoidant to maintain harmony in social settings. This pressure compels women to suppress our emotions and desires, casting us as mediators and peacemakers rather than individuals who assert our own boundaries. Women are frequently viewed as the “emotional glue” holding families, workplaces, and communities together, managing not only our own emotions but also those of others. This emotional caretaking, while essential, often requires personal sacrifice and goes unrecognized and unappreciated, much like the roots of a plant that quietly sustain life beneath the surface, invisible yet vital to the flourishing of the whole. This invisible labor is frequently regarded as a natural aspect of our roles, rather than a valuable skill deserving of acknowledgment and respect.
3/3
.jpg)