Frame 2

Chapter 7, p. 207, post #1

Karen Ashcraft's second frame suggests that gender identities are ongoing accomplishments that are performed into being in and constrained by organizational contexts. This frame is influenced by Erving Goffman's Theory of Performativity from his book Performing Self in Everyday Life where Goffman compares life to a stage where depending on your audience (or lack thereof) you perform a certain way.

I find that I do perform gender differently between my last job and my current one. In my previous job as a gymnastic coach, our dress code consisted of t-shirts, sweats, and ponytails. Although the main function of this outfit was functionality, it also conveyed a sense of masculinity (i.e. that we were strong enough to keep your kids safe and that we were the experts). In fact, last summer our office manager ordered the girls a more feminine shirt that was form fitting and v-cut and there were a few complaints that we were too scantily clad especially when paired with shorts.

However, the job I am working now has a much different dress code. Although there aren't many specific rules, everybody has to dress professionally (no jeans, covered shoulders, and no bottoms shorter than your finger tips). Although black pants and a top with some detail would suffice, I find myself trying to dress myself in a manner that attracts my customers (mostly moms) by looking cute, friendly, stylish, and professional. Overall, I find that the way I dress definitely depends on which 'self' I am trying to portray.