Tomboy feelings

A Reparative Reading of Tomboy Trauma

Bibliographic Data

ID3660002
AuthorsCassandra Jean Joseph (0000-0001-8866-2698, Sociology, Gender & Criminology Programme, University of Otago, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume34
Issue4
Pages554-567
Publication date2025-05-19
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Gender Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0958-9236 • E-ISSN: 1465-3869
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/09589236.2024.2370360
OpenAlexW4400158539
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited32

Tomboys are often viewed as pioneers of socially accepted gender-nonconformity, and while ostracization and isolation were understood as an underlying consequence of tomboyism, it is hardly elaborated on in tomboy research and literature. Tomboyism can be regarded as a choice, but for many tomboys (especially those who were tomboys since they were young), tomboyism is an unconscious inclination. This article will discuss the negative emotions felt by tomboys that have not been given much emphasis in media portrayals of Western tomboyism. It is informed by the experiences and insights of my 11 international research participants, scaffolded by Ann Cvetkovich’s work on affect theory. The aim of this article is to perform a reparative reading on the trauma and distresses faced by my tomboy participants, focusing on the nuances of how their cultural and gendered intersectionality have shaped their experiences. This will add to the multidimensional view of contemporary tomboyism, and the trials and tribulations of modern gender-nonconformity

Art · Feeling · Linguistics · Literature · Narrative · Nonconformity · Psychoanalysis · Sociology · Unconscious mind · Gender Roles and Identity Studies · Gender Studies · Gender, Feminism, and Media · Media, Gender, and Advertising · Philosophy · Psychology · Social Psychology

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