Controlling the Environment – Bodies on Display:

Gentle Touch:

Definition: Athlete gently has the object laying in their hands or resting in their hands with little to no grip. No strenuous muscles used.

Athlete: Megan Rapinoe, professional soccer player

Photographer: Peter Hapak: Year of photoshoot: 2014: Source: ESPN Body Issue

Expectation: Female

Findings: Women: Gentle touch in 23% of photos. Men: Gentle touch in 5% of photos

My findings are consistent with Goffman’s theory, as women were portrayed with a gentle touch nearly five times more often than men. Goffman theorizes that a gentle touch is a feminine trait and is considered subordinate in advertisements for men, whereas it is expected and acceptable in advertisements for women. This portrayal conveys a sense of passivity and gentleness, which helps reinforce traditional gender roles in which women are expected to be submissive and nurturing. Also the fact that men were portrayed with a gentle touch in only 5% of photos shows that it is not a typical or expected trait for men to display.

Grip Strength:

Definition: Athlete expresses grip strength and power through the hand tightly grabbing the object, can clearly see strenuous muscles affecting the object, NOT resting in hand

Athlete: Larry Fitzgerald, NFL football Player

Photographer: Richard Phibbs: Year of photoshoot: 2014: Source: ESPN Body Issue

Expectation: Male

Findings: Men: grip strength in 58% of photos. Women: grip strength in 15% of photos

Based on Goffman’s gender display theory, my findings are consistent with his theory as men were portrayed with a strong grip strength nearly four times more often than women. Goffman theorizes that men would be displayed with a strong grip strength as opposed to a gentle touch or no touch, showing that men are powerful and in control. This portrayal conveys a sense of dominance and strength. The fact that women were portrayed with a strong grip strength in only 15% of photos reinforces traditional gender roles in which women are expected to be gentle and nurturing, while men are expected to be dominant and powerful.