This module provides a critical framework for deconstructing the multifaceted and often-invisible structures that have historically defined and constrained femme. It embarks on a rigorous examination of how society, culture, and politics have architected the very concept of “femme.” The inquiry delves into the sociocultural evolution of perceptions, questioning the origins and impacts of gendered stereotypes and archetypes. It scrutinizes the institutions and norms that have policed queer bodies and autonomy, from the historical obsession with virginity to the modern-day reproductive and marital expectations that perpetuate patriarchal servitude. By dissecting these frameworks, the module aims to expose the foundational blueprints of gender inequality and empower a more nuanced understanding of the femme experience.

Furthermore, the module investigates the aesthetic and corporeal dimensions of femme identity, analyzing how fashion, makeup, and anthropometric standards have been wielded as tools of both oppression and empowerment. It explores the political landscape of beauty, tracing how brushstrokes and garments have been used to communicate dissent, conformity, and identity. The inquiry extends to the emotional and professional realms, dissecting the “feminization” of emotions and its impact on mental health, while also exposing the systemic barriers that create and maintain the global gender gap in the workforce. Through this comprehensive analysis, the module challenges participants to look beyond surface appearances and understand the deep-seated power dynamics that shape what it means to be a woman in the world.

Finally, this module is dedicated to reclaiming silenced narratives and challenging dominant historical accounts. It actively seeks out and amplifies the “partially pink” stories from marginalized feminist movements, including the often-overlooked contributions and perspectives of trans women, sex workers and feminists from the Global South. It confronts the erasure of women’s legacies, stolen spotlights, and the complex cultural discourses surrounding age, power, and the archetypal “crone” figure. By deconstructing stereotypes, including the sexualization and orientalism projected onto femme bodies, and by examining the intricate web of sexual politics in art, music, and literature, the module endeavors to dismantle the gender axis and build a more inclusive and accurate architecture of feminist thought and history.

Courses