Women who have "defied the norm"?

Question

Im writing a paper on women who have defied the norm and have gone out of their presumed societal role. Can you think of any examples to give me?? Thanks. So far I've got rosa parks, susan b anthony, benazir..

Answer 1

Favorite Answer

Warrant Officer Staceyann McNish, an allied trade technician with the 1st Cavalry Division's Company B, 115th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team

(link below)

Hedy Lamarr - actress who defied the norm by performing a nude role; also an inventor

(link below)

Amelia Earhart - female aviator

(link below)

Bessie Coleman: First Black Woman Pilot -

"The sky is the only place where there is no prejudice. Up there...everyone is free," said Bessie Coleman, a black woman who longed to fly airplanes. Born in 1892, however, Bessie discovered multiple barriers to her dream. At a time when blacks were lynched in America and women were second-class citizens, American flight schools would not allow her to enroll. So in 1920, Bessie traveled to France to earn her international license, a prestigious award that Amelia Earhart didn't receive until 1923. Unfortunately, when Bessie returned to America no one would hire her; they wouldn't even sell her a plane. She pursued her dream anyway..."

(link below - it lists many women including Calamity Jane and Mae Jemison - the first African-American astronaut )

There are women like Molly Pitcher (and many others who are known) who fought in the revolutionary; civil and other wars. Of the civil war women, offten they dressed as men and passed themselves off as ordinary soldiers. When it was discovered that there were such women amongst the ranks, some were honoured and appreciated, but all were later dismissed by a high ranking military official as "camp followers", even though they fought bravely and competently.

For example:

"Interviews with their former comrades confirmed that Tom Parker and Bob Morgan had been "valiant soldiers" who had never shirked their duty. During their interview with Gen. Early upon being exposed, Mary and Molly Bell told him that there were at least six other women in his army."

(link below)

Source(s): http://www.army.mil/-news/2007/05/10/3066-soldier-... http://www.inventions.org/culture/female/lamarr.ht... http://www.childrenslit.com/childrenslit/th_famous... http://www.cowgirls.com/dream/cowgals/calamity.htm http://www.hallrichard.com/civilwomen.htm

Answer 2

You may find the following American Psychological Association article of interest:

'Sexual harassers target women who violate gender norms'

http://www.apa.org/monitor/may07/harassers.html

If the APA sees there are 'gender norms' and 'gender role norms' then who are any of the peons posting here to disagree?

Answer 3

Read The Essential Feminist Reader. Every piece in there is by women who have defied the norm simply by encouraging other women to do the same.

Answer 4

Boudicca, Joan D'arc, Guru Nanak, Cleopatra, Elizabeth the First, Queen Victoria

Answer 5

Fellow Student of the world!

Research Queen Boudica. She defied the Romans valiantly!

Answer 6

Catherin the Great of Russia, Madame du chalet, Me *hhahaha*

Answer 7

All human behavior is normal and " societal roles " is such a barren concept.

Answer 8

Madam C. J. Walker. You'll find plenty on her.