The Essence of Femininity: A Qualitative Study Among Cordilleran

Women
Abstract:
The exploratory study investigated the essence of femininity among Cordilleran women.
The study interviewed 8 different Cordilleran women coming from different sub-ethnic groups.
Analysis of the interview unraveled 13 main components that showed the general understanding
of the concept of femininity. Based on the extracted components and understanding of the
concept 13 components were noticed: Motherhood, Traditional Perception, Modern Perception,
Emotionally Weak, Feminine Modesty, Beauty, Multitasking, Organize, Better Decision
Making, Uncivil Traits, Homemaker and Empowered and Physical incapability. Most the
participants answered that being a woman is to become a mother and to nurture one’s child –and
also majority stated that a woman’s limitation is carrying heavy objects. Findings suggest that
despite the traditional perceptions and despite the various sub-ethnic groups, the notion of
femininity went through a lot of transformations in all sub-ethnic groups and the traditional form
has been re-conceptualized. Femininity and gendered roles have always been debatable notions
across the globe as both of which have converging ideologies. Women are merely restricted with
some of men’s routine due to their alleged biological quality not fitting with the load of work
needed.

Keywords: Cordilleran Women, Motherhood, Empowered, Physical Incapability

I. INTRODUCTION

Femininity cannot be broken-down into a list of or pinned down with a singular definite,
concrete definition (Williams, 2018). According to Joan Pabona (2017), “ femininity is about
empathy, calmness, an inner confidence and self-belief” (Peacock, 2013) because femininity is
pertaining to being female, woman or girl (Williams, 2018). Females of different types of
femininity are characterized by specific systems of values in which either family, home, children
or career, freedom, creative work or their combination or irresponsibly for one is life and the life
of other people, infantility occupy the top position depending on the leading values
(Boundless.com).

Today, the concept of femininity is altered by culture as those portrayed in media of

fashion-from air-brushed picture-perfect models to must-have dresses (Chow, 2016). From
women’s suffrage to birth control, the feminist movement has gradually been changing the view
of women in society. Along the roles of women, personal attitudes of femininity have also
evolved through history and what was not accepted for women in the past and now accepted and
even encouraged (Baudet, Date retrieved: November 2018). Why beauty is in the eye of beholder
and femininity-perception is affected by culture, the basis of femininity stayed the same since
that the early ages (Chow, 2016). Femininity is closely related to conceptualization of gender
relations and gender roles. Scholarship is on gender relations usually examines the unequal
power relations between women and men (as well as among different groups of women and men
based on the other axes of inequality such as race, class, sexuality, nationality at the macro-level
of social institutions as well as on the micro-level of social interaction (Sociology of Femininity
Research paper, 2018)

The Filipino femininity subscale included positive traits such as being principled and
having affinity with other and negative traits such as being boastful and impetuous (Valledor,
2012). According to RSS Feed (2015), the gender differences in the Filipino culture can be seen
in dating, marriage, education, workforce, and families. Males are considered free and females
are kind of like slaver (Heinrich, 2014). RSS Feed (2015) stated in “Philippine Culture” in
family and labor life, the traditional riles of Filipino women are to work in garden, care for the
house, care for the children because they are basically the pattern of conduct for the entire
family. Gender differences play a key part on what they are supposed to do as an individual of
what they are not supposed to do (Heinrich, 2014).

Ethnic group affiliation also provides a bedrock for nurturing the children with prevalent
gender ideology by providing repertoires as emotional bond and role models in the cultural
history of the group (Jalayinpourt Ghanbari, 2009; Ahmadipour et al. 2012). There were no
found research study about how Cordilleran women deem femininity, therefore, the researchers
intend to explore the perceptions of different sub-ethnic groups in the Cordilleran Region
following the study.

This study was conducted to educate the public about the essence of femininity,
simultaneous to empowering women in mitigating cases of gender discrimination and inequality.
(SIGNIFICANCE)

The study determines the varied perceptions of femininity among sub-ethnic groups in
Cordillera. This research also studied the different roles, personality and characteristics
associated with femininity in the lens of diverse sub-ethnic groups in the said region. Examined
participants are whether from Abra, Kalinga, Apayao, Ifugao, Mt. Province, and Benguet with
different professions, age clusters and economic stand points. (SCOPE)

Main Objectives of the Study:

 To investigate the perception of femininity among women on the Cordilleran Region

Specific Objectives:
a) To determine the varied perception of femininity.
b) To determine the roles, personalities and characteristics associated with femininity.
c) To explore/examine the perceived limitations of femininity.
Literature Review

1. Variety of Perceptions about Femininity

A number of researchers have proposed that cultures and colonization as both factors that
affect the viewpoint of people regarding femininity. Hoseinzade et. al. (2000), stated that Ethnic
group, as an important factor that affects identity formation and sense of belonging, is considered
as a significant factor in shaping perceptions cultural values such as sexuality. He had also
suggested that ideas that are rooted in the history of an Ethnic group, including understanding
about sexuality, strongly resist change. Kotak (2007), also said that femininity is not a merely a
psychological mechanism in the formation of gender, it is important to define it as a non-
essential concept formed through socio-cultural processes. Borgata (2000), have supported this
idea stating that femininity is rooted in an intricate system of socio-cultural contexts rather than
mere psycho-biological factors.

Meanwhile, colonization also had a noticeable attribution in influencing the perception of

people about women. Nakpil (1963) endorsed that in the context of the Philippines, the Filipino
women during the Spanish regime was classed with infants and idiots, for they could neither
enter into contracts without their husband’s consent. After being colonized by the Spanish and
Americans, Filipino women now cut their hair and adopted Western dresses, joined beauty
contests, danced cheek to cheek and discussed sex. She also stated that Filipino Women of today
were some sort of comprise between the affected little-Christian idealist of the American and
Spain Regime.

2. The Roles, Characteristics and Personalities associated with Femininity.

A handful of studies have identified specific roles, characteristics and personalities

associated with femininity. As Taleb et. al. (2004) proposed from their study, women must adopt
traditionally-praised gender roles such as: mothering and housekeeping. Ezazi (2006) packed this
one by stating that women were expected to be in career roles, they were expected to adopt to
their societies ex-services for their families while organizing the household and easing the way
for a better family environment.

Some researchers have specified some roles that are associated with femininity Ferrant et.
al. (2014) stated, rules such as taking care of children and elderly and keeping peace in the
family have been considered feminine, and Napkil (2013) also specified that women are
weavers, farm-makers, pot-makers, cigar-makers, slipper and wooden shoe handy-crafters.

Beauty and motherhood were the dominant characteristics that are closely related with
femininity. Rahbari and Zeinab (2017) concluded beauty as a concept was perceived to be
essential to a feminine nature. Their study suggests that most form of body management were
attributed to femininity, stating that Beauty have two types which was natural beauty (with
which one is born) and “artificial” beauty (which could be created by cosmetic inventions). On
the other hand, Di Quinzo (1999) stated that femininity was seen as a strong correlation with
motherhood and caregiving. Also, according to his study, most people could not imagine a
possible form of femininity without motherhood.

Several personalities have been specifically outlined by a number of studies. Most of the
personalities were mainly positive and great. According to Nakpil (1963), kindess and gentle are
traditionally associated with femininity. Luis (2018) said that women are biologically or
inherently more kind, caring, nurturing and cooperative, while for Khamse (2007), he reported
that adjectives such as sentimental, dependent, sensitive and emotional are usually ascribed to
women.

3. Limitations of Femininity

Numerous studies by researchers have outlined some limitations of femininity. In terms

of leadership, women must be able to use the masculine approach of influencing to succeed
leadership, but she cannot overdo it if she wants to be liked. Women can only try to imitate the
masculine approach but she cannot overdo it. In the context of Yin and Yang, when the two
things are balanced, they are equal but still separate. In a relationship of harmony, the two-
energy blend into one while perfectly embodied by the yin-yang symbol. Another limitation,
according to Sendi (2017) is the skin color may be considered as a limitation of femininity, as the
black color pertains to the African. The study among African-American state that skin-tone
influences the attractiveness rating assigned to black women in a compelling, monotonic manner.
Gender-by-skin-tone interaction is consistent with the hypothesis that African-Americans
perceive fair skin tone as a particularly feminine characteristic. (Anonymous, 2002)

Theoretical Framework

Cultural Feminism is a variety of feminism which emphasizes essential differences

between men and women, based on biological differences in reproductive capacity. Cultural
feminism attributes to those differences distinctive and superior virtues of women. What women
share in this perspective, provides a basis for “sisterhood”, or unity, solidarity and shared
identity. (J.Lewis, 2010). It is an ideology that attempts to revalidate what cultural feminists
consider undervalued female attributes. (Alcoff, 2006).

This theory is relevant to our study as it tends to value qualities identified with women as
superior or and preferable to qualities identified with men, whether the qualities are products of
nature or culture. Femininity is closely related to conceptualization of gender relations and
gender roles (Sociology of Femininity; Research paper, 2018). Suggested by Sana Dee,
femininity is pertaining to being female is about empathy, calmness, an inner confidence and
self-belief (Peacock, 2013) therefore, roles such as taking care of children and the elderly, and
keeping peace in the family have been widely considered feminine (Fehrant et al. 2014; OHCHR
2016) and that women must adopt traditionally praised gender roles such as mothering and
housekeeping (Taleb and Goudarzi, 2004). As Hadith inferred, religious teachings by the prophet
or his disciples: Women are more compassionate. They are kinder, calmer. They are different
from men, which say in some cases women’s characteristics should be opposite to those of
men’s. Conversely, cultural feminists define traditional male behaviors as aggressive,
competitive and dominant. (Lewis, 2018). Men and women are opposite yet complimentary.

In the Chinese Yin-Yang model, Yin (the black) contains a seed of Yang (in the form of a
white dot). There is Yin, but interestingly, Yin is also Yang because it contains some Yang. The
truth is Yin can transform into Yang under certain conditions. It can do this because Yang is
present in Yin. So, there is balance, but the relationship goes beyond balance to one of harmony.
When two things are balanced, they are equal but still separate. In a relationship of harmony, the
two energies blend into one seamless whole, as perfectly embodied by the swirling Yin-Yang.
They are two opposite yet complementary energies. Although they are totally different—
opposite—in their individual qualities and nature, they are interdependent. Yin and Yang cannot
exist without the other; they are never separate. This inseparable and interpenetrating
relationship is reflected in the form of the Yin-Yang symbol. The small dots within each of the
two energies (represented by black and white) symbolize that there is always some Yin (black)
within Yang (white) and vice versa. Yang is considered to be the men who is the white half with
a dark interior while Yin is considered to be the women who have a white interior. No matter
where you bisect the diameter of the whole circle, each half will always contain some Yin and
some Yang. (Traditional Chinese Method Foundation). Just like men and women.

II. METHODOLOGY

Suggests by its title, this study is qualitative in nature and uses phenomenological method
in approach. The phenomenological method aims to describe, understand and interpret the
meanings of experiences of human life. It is comprised with research questions such as: what it is
like to experience a particular situation (Bloor & Wood, 2006). A primary way to understand the
context of femininity in a life of a person is to identify the reasons which led the scholars to
study persons’ varied perception of femininity, the roles, characteristics and personality
associated with femininity, and; the perceived limitations that accords to feminine
characteristics. The researchers used the method of Daaleman et al. (2001) as their rationale. He
stated that "in order to gain a richer and more complete description." Others chose a form of
qualitative study to "illuminate the factors that are absent in the (quantitative and correlational)
existing literature" and to exemplify the "meaning of human phenomena while understanding the
meaning of the lived experience." (RESEARCH DESIGN AND RATIONALE)

The population of the study basically refers to the total number of people in the form of
thorough headcount of all elements the findings of the study seeks to represent (Sekaran, 2003).
For the population of target women – the participants, the researchers asked student leaders,
teachers, full time house wives, professionals, and politicians to be part of their study. They then
interviewed 5-10 Cordilleran Women to describe their experiences, and insights concerning
femininity. Subsequently, interviewers have observed that majority of the participants view a
woman as to practice motherhood and to be able to bear child. Some said that being a woman
endures multiple responsibilities and duties. And others said that women, traditionally, were
home bound, demure, and polite. From here, we were able to determine how a Cordilleran
woman sees herself as being feminine. Qualitative research provides the means to organize and
interpret the data, without losing the richness and individuality of the responses. The findings
from studies provide a basis for effective intervention targeted as specific issues identified
(Stuckey, 2013). (POPULATION)

In choosing the participants, the researchers searched for qualified Cordilleran Women,
setting the parameter as their ethnicity only, in order to fulfill the prepared questions for the
research. The researchers carefully examined the participants’ awareness of the chosen topic and
are open for questioning. In collecting the data, the researchers used semi-structured guide
questions in order to obtain the necessary insights from their participants.

With the use of several interviews among Cordilleran Women, the researchers were able
to determine the reasons for one’s perception with regards to feminine characteristics. It is very
essential to understand one’s belief, reaction, motives, demands, or challenges to comprehend the
contextual experience of the respondents. (PROCEDURES)

The researchers administered several oral interviews with hand-noting and voice
recording in places here in Baguio City. They interviewed random Cordilleran Women such as
student leaders and, teachers from different schools, full time housewives, businesswomen and
other women of various age clusters, and sub-ethnic groups. The respondents, based from
headcount ranged from 5-10. The duration of each interview lasted for 20-30 minutes. A
combination of open and semi-structured questions were utilized by the researchers to
thoroughly investigate one’s thoughts on femininity and its essence. Meaning the flow of the
questioning depends on how the respondents intend to answer each question asked. Before the
interview starts, they are informed about the study and its core. Patterns emphasizes and repeated
were extracted, and common classes were recognized in the transcriptions. Professionalism was
observed while the questioning are ensuing as the researchers exhibits integrity and see to it that
the confidentiality is rightfully maintained. (SAMPLING METHOD AND MEASUREMENT)

III. FINDINGS

Cordilleran Women were interviewed from different ethnic sub-groups, their answers
were reduced and classified into significant patterns. The different patterns are as follows:
Motherhood, Traditional Perception and Modern Perception towards Women, Emotionally
Weak, Feminine Modesty, Beauty, Multi-tasking, Organized, Better in Decision-Making, Uncivil
Traits of Women, Homemaker and Empowered and their Physical Incapability.

A. Varied Perspective of Femininity

A.1. Traditional perception to femininity

It is determined as a portion in viewing femininity. This includes patriarchal traditional
rules assigned for women such as involving in care giving activities and roles, and working
inside the house, as well as personality trait such as emotionality.(Rahbari, Mudahbadi, 2017).
Women are also ought to take care of their family and suffice the attention the family needs,
even its expense is to be staying inside the house and unable to contradict the decisions done by
men.
Are considered free, and females are kind of like slaver (Heinrich, 2014). As stated in
“Philippine Culture” in family and labor life, the traditional roles of Filipino women are to work
in garden, care for the house, care for the children because they are basically the pattern of
conduct for the entire family (RSS Feed, 2015). Napkil (2013) also specified that women are
weavers form-workers, farm-makers, pot-makers, potters, cigar-makers, slipper and wooden shoe
handy-crafters. And with this participant one explained in her fifth statement (P1.S5) that:

“Kaya nga noon, ahhh as much as possible daw noon, hindi magtratrabaho sa labas
ang babae, sa bahay lang.”

As an augmentation, participant two in her first statement (P2.S1) endorsed that:

“Being a female gives you a lot of responsibilities, women face a lot of challenges long
time ago when they were, what do you call this one, they were put inside the houses to be
staying there, they aren’t given the chances to work right? Higher positions before”
Garret (1987) has discussed that femininity is considered as a package of roles and
responsibilities related to the biological sex and concepts that form around these function such as
motherhood, marriage and childrearing. This can be supported by participant two in her second
statement (P2.S2), and participant six in her first statement (P6.S1), separately:

“I think the word is being a woman, when we say a woman, it is actually having a
responsibility of being a mother and having a children.”

“The nature of being a woman is to become a mother."

A. 2 Motherhood

Motherhood is classified as a perception of femininity. In this view motherhood is highly

associated with homemaking, mother is defined as the proponents of egg cell and the primary
incubator of them, in other words, to sexually reproduce is the natural job bestowed to the.
Participant 6 in his second statement (P6.S2. ) said that to be able to produce something or
someone [from them] is a privilege since there women are not able to do so. And from others
perception it goes the same, being a mother comes takes a toll on women as they are relied upon
nurturing ones behavior.

Di Quinzo (1999) stated that femininity was seen as a strong correlation with
motherhood and caregiving. Also, according to his study, most people could not imagine a
possible form of femininity without motherhood. This was briefly expounded by participant
seven in her first statement (P7.S1) and participant six in her second statement (P6.S2):
 ” Ang pagiging isang babae is kagaya ng sa bibliya yung to reproduce, that’s the
essence of a woman.”

“Yun yung fulfillment ng pagiging babae, yung makapag produce ng something or

someone na galing mismo sa akin considering na not all women can bear child.”

A.3 Modern Perception to femininity

This is affiliated to the positive sentiment given to women’s economic independence

despite accepting that women are only good for caregiving and good motherhood, this view
shows that femininity is not completely for domestic roles. Women nowadays thrive from
equality [with men] they have gained over time. They are known for being empowered as they
are now, admittedly, participating in political discourses. Being the leaders and activist of our
society.

There is also evidence that the tradition ethnic beliefs and attitudes are gradually
changing ; traditional forms of marriage such as imposed arranged marriage of girls have been
fading (Mohammadpour et. al 2009).The concept of femininity is altered by culture as those
portrayed in media of fashion-from air-brushed picture-perfect models to must –have dresses
(Chow, 2016). This is justified by participant six in her twelfth statement and participant five in
her eighth statement, saying that:

P6. S12. Mas maganda ngayon kase isipin mo parang bilanggo ang mga babae noon sa
sarili nilang tahanan walang freedom, sa tahanan lang umiikot ang mundo nila atleast, ngayon
may mga babaeng engineer, doctor, driver ng Volvo truck (usually abroad) pilot etc. Kumbaga
malaya na nating gawin ang gusto natin independent na tayo kumbaga. At noon sila ang
namimili kung sino ang mapapangasawa mo o ngayon hindi na kaya nga naglipana ang mga
kabit kasi pinili nila ang mga minamahal nila.

P5. S8. Ngayon yung mga babae nagtratrabaho sa labas, maging politician, puwede nila
gawin yung trabaho ng mga lalake. Kagaya ko na single mom, puwede na akong mga, ay, ay
nagagagwa ko na yung trabaho ng isang lalake, na maitaguyod ko ang mga obligasyon ng isang
isang maggulang.

B. Roles and Personalities or Characteristics

B.1.Roles

B.1.a. Homemaking

Even way back before, women are solely deemed to be just staying at home. Some of
these roles they are obliged to do are to cook food for their family, wash clothes, maintain the
house neat and to serve their husband and child altogether
 Gendered roles are practices expected from people merely because of their gender
(Eagly, 1987).Gendered division of labour has been an essential prerequisite of formation of
gender relations (Walby, 2001). Roles such as taking of children and elderly, and keeping peace
in the family have been widely considered feminine (Ferrant et.al. 2014; OHCHR, 2016).
Women are expected to be in career roles rather than work as providers for the family. They
provided services for their families, while organizing the household and easing the way for a
better family environment (Ezazi, 2006).As stated by participant six in her seventh statement
(P6.S7):

“Ang mga kababaihan sa bahay lang, magluluto, maglalaba, maglilinis. Kung

pamilyado magsisilbi sa asawa at mga anak. Pinapanatili nilang malinis at maayos ang bahay.”

According to Taleb et. al (2004), women must adopt traditionally praised gender roles
such as mothering and housekeeping. This was supported by participant one in her statement two
(P1.S2):

“To be a good mother, to nurture the children and to teach them well”.

B.1.b. Women Empowerment

Over time, there was a vast sociocultural change that have happened and thus women’s
empowerment arose. This resulted for them to perhaps have an equal respect and attributions as
men does. (P5.S8) suggests “Ngayon yung mga babae nagtratrabaho sa labas, maging
politician, puwede nila gawin yung trabaho ng mga lalake.”this statement gratifies that women
are now a piece of societal success

To become empowered means to move from non-participation in decision making to

participation by making previously concealed grievances a subject within the political and
economic structures of society. Hartsock (1983), commenting on the feminist theory of power,
describes how “women’s stress on power not as domination but as capacity on power, as a
capacity of the community as a whole. “Power within” refers to enabling personal qualities of
self-acceptance, self-respect or spiritual strength (Rowlands 1998). This was illuminated by
Participant one in her fourth statement (P1.S4), and participant six in her eleventh statement
(P6.S11).

“Sa ngayon parang may equality na puwedeng, lahat ng gampanin ng lalake puwedeng
gagawin ng mga babae”.

. “Siguro yung panahon, kasi as time goes by nagbabago yung panananaw ng mga tao
yung mindset nila na kung saan mas namumulat sila at yun may nakareliaze na “oy
dapat pumantay sila sa mga kalalakihan” na puwede na rin silang gumawa ng ibang
bagay na ginagawa ng kalalakihan tulad ng magtrabaho na din at kumitang sariling
pera at hindi lang umaasa sa kung anuman ang binibigay ng asawa.”
B. 2. Personalities and Characteristics

B.2.a Emotionally Weakness

Women’s emotionality is sorted as a characteristic and personality of a woman, where

their subjective view and biases are significantly affected by their emotions in this manner, they
are considered to be weak as they often use emotions to plead their statements.

Gendered clichés are common beliefs among people that attribute different mental and
personality characteristics to men and women (Spence and Helmreich 1987); for example,
women are usually labeled as having a higher tendency to extroversion (Weisburg et al.2011).
Some clichés are commonly accepted as reality. Williams and Best (cited in Khamse 2007, p.
122) have reported that adjectives such as ‘sentimental’, ’dependent’, ‘sensitive’ and ‘emotional’
are usually ascribed to women. They were expected to adapt to their societies expectations
reflected to their husband’s demands (Ezazi, 2006). This was consequently gratified by the fifth
statement of participant three:

“P3. S5. Noon ano sila mahinhin, uhm hindi sila masyadong , hindi sila nag-oopose sa
kung anong inaano sa kanila, inuutos sa kanila ganun, kung ano ang sinabi sakanila
yun na yun.”

B.2.b. Feminine Modesty

This feminine virtue is traditionally viewed under personality and characteristics of

femininity. In this core of women, they are perceived to be sensitive, emphatic and gentle. As
separately stated by participant three in her second and third statements (P3. S2&S3)

“Noon ano sila [mga babae] mahinhin”, and” Ang mga babae should be pure,very silent
type ganun hindi yung mabunganga.”,meaing women should be demure and shy.

Kindness and gentle are traditionally associated with femininity (Nakpil, 1963).
According to Joan Pabona (2018), femininity is about empathy, calmness, an inner confidence
and self-belief (Peacock, 2013) because femininity is pertaining to being female, woman or girl.
This was described by participant three in her second statement (P3.S2)

“Sa culture namin is far away different kapag sa , especially Ibaloi. Ang mga babae
should be pure,very silent type ganun hindi yung mabunganga. Hindi mabunganga pero
basta, kase ang Ibaloi they are identified shy-mango yung mahiyain.”

B.2.c. Beauty

This is categorized as a characteristic of femininity for it is mainly based on women’s

aesthetic physical appearance. According to (P4.S4), beauty in women are those who are vested
with long hair and are those who wears clothes with less skin can be seen.
 According to Rahbari and Mahmudabadi (2017), beauty as a concept was perceived to be
essential to a feminine nature. Women care more about their appearance than men (Rezaei et al.,
2010, p.11).And that beauty practices are used not only to appeal to the opposite sex, but also for
entertainment, for performative and creative means of expression that use body as canvas (Jafari
and Maclaran 2014). This was supported by participant four in her fourth statement (P4.S4)

“ Dagijay long hair, dagijay agbadu ti pambabae nga badu like bestida.”

B.2.d. Multi-tasking

Multi-tasking is classified under personality or characteristic of femininity. (Easthope

and Killeen, 2017) endorsed that women are better in performing two or more tasks
simultaneously, as it was scientifically proved that having larger amount of estrogen is directly
associated with performing in thinking better

The hormone estrogen may play a role in woman’s ability to perform two tasks at the
same time. Women are less affected by interference when carrying out certain tasks than men,
and hormones may play a part in this discrepancy (Easthope and Killeen, 2017). Researchers
found that female sex hormones acting on the brain may determine a woman’s ability to
multitask. The study also revealed that as those hormones decrease with age, women may find
multitasking more troublesome (Overdeep, 2017). Altogether, they conclude that women “have
an advantage over men” in multitasking, at least in certain situations (Morgan, 2013). This was
clarified by participant six in his fifteenth statement:

P6. S15. First woman are multi taskers, they can do things at the same time. Example,
they can cook while taking care of their children and do laundry as well.

Women really are more organized in the workplace than men, a new study has revealed.
Researchers have found that when it comes to meeting deadlines and arriving at work on time,
the fairer sex have the upper hand while their male counterparts struggle to keep on top of things
and often forget to return phone calls. (Women are the most organized sex-in the workplace at
least, 2010). 93% of women wash their hands after going to the bathroom compared 77 % of
men (Tulleken, 2017). This was indicated by Participant three in her statement thirteen.

P3. S13. Ano yung mas kaya ng babae is ano pagiging malinis as always presentable sa
ibang tao. Yun kasi is parang sa lalake wala silang pake sa ano nila eh sa kung paano sila
makita ng iba.

B.2.e. Better Decision Making

Morgan (2013) stated that women are more likely to formulate more practical and
righteous decisions than men as they can stop for a while and think what is more rational and
practical to do.
 Women are more organized under pressure. “They spent more time thinking at the
beginning, whereas men had a slight impulsiveness, they jumped in too quickly,” said Prof Laws.
“It suggests that- in a stressed and complex situation-women are more able to stop and think
about what’s going on in front of them (Morgan, 2013). This was expounded by participant 2 in
her ninth statement and participant six in her seventeenth statement (P6.S17)

“Emotional right, well we can use that one as our edge against them cause we are using
emotion, we can decide better than them that’s my opinion kasi we can ah, incorporate
yung emotion natin tsaka analytical thinking natin sa buhay, so we can think a lot more
out of the box more sap ag-iisip kumbaga, we can consider a lot small factors to large
amount so I think that’s an edge about women.

“Women are budget conscious. They are able to stretch the budget until the next salary.”

B.2.f. Uncivil Traits.

The Filipino femininity subscale included negative traits such as being boastful and
impetuous (Valledor, 2012). Women nowadays are more outrageous than that of before as they
are now perceived to be ‘empowered’, one negative counterpart of it is that some women no
longer exercise proper decorum and politeness.

From women’s suffrage to birth control, the feminist movement has gradually been
changing the view of women in society. Among the roles of women, personal attitudes of basis
of femininity study the same since birth that the early ages (Chow, 2016). Some studies on
women’s relations show that women evaluate other women in regard with their beauty and
attraction, and in case where they evaluate others superior to themselves, they adopt negative
attitudes and mentality towards them (Joseph 1985). The Filipino femininity subscale included
positive traits such as being principled and having affinity with other and negative traits such as
being boastful and impetuous (Valledor, 2012). This was supported by participant seven in her
eighth statement.

P7. S8. Idi ket, maurasan iti panag-awid iti babae, pag dito may mga kwan mas ano sila
sa trabaho tapos marabi-rabian, inom-inom ket haan nga mabalin dayta iti bababe,
tadta ket nu kitam ket uray inya alas sais keta da da pag-inuman instead of studying, han
nga kasla idi nga matutukan da .

C. Limitations

Physical Incapability

A pose limitation to women as they are unable to carry heavy baggage’s, and incapable to
perform activities relatively done by men.
 Women who reported lifting or moving heavy objects at work had 14% fewer mature
eggs, and 5% fewer antral follicles, compared with the women who reported having never lifted
or moved heavy objects at work. These findings have clinical implications, as women with fewer
mature oocytes (eggs would have fewer eggs which are capable of developing into healthy
embryos). (Rettner, 2017)

“Shift work and physically demanding jobs linked to lower fertility in women” Sky News
reports. They also found that women who sometimes or often did heavy lifting or physically
demanding work produced fewer mature eggs. (Shift work and heavy lifting may make it harder
to get pregnant, 2017)

Women who work more than 40 hours a week or routinely lift heavy loads may take
longer to get pregnant than women who don’t, a U.S study suggests (Rapaport 2015). Findings
from participants six, and seven justifies the literature founded through their twentieth,
thirteenth, and nineteenth, respectively:

P6. S20. “Kase merong mga babaeng mababa ang matress or ovary na kapag nagbuhat-
buhat parin ng mabigat may chance na mahirap na silang magka-anak kasi nga mababa
nag ovary so mas malaki ang chance na hindi makapit yung bata or malaglag ganun.”

P7. S13. “Ada nga ada ti limitation, activities na daily routine na mabibigat strenuous
activities.”

P6. S19.” Pagbuhat ng mabibigat na bagay o mabibigat na mga bagay-bagay.

IV. DISCUSSION

In the gathering of data, the researchers were able to obtain various information that were
deemed substantial under the objectives of this study. Data gathered were then classified
according to their relevance to the study. The objectives were presented and are to discover the
underlying perceptions Cordilleran Women thought of when they hear the word ‘femininity’ and
the things they observe when being engaged in conversation circling around it, identify the
characteristics, personality they behold and the role they play in the traditional and modern
societies; and lastly, is to determine the perceived limitation of women and the reasons why are
so.

Majority of the participants stated that being a woman is to become a mother wherein it
includes nurturing and child rearing. Femininity was thus seen as a strong correlation with
motherhood and caregiving this was observed by other studies that suggested the relation was so
strong that most people could not imagine a possible form of femininity without motherhood. (Di
Quinzo 1999). Analyzing interviews indicated that participants used the words and phrase
‘motherhood’, ‘produce’, ‘reproduce’, and ‘to become a mother’ (n=9 in all interviews),
‘mother’, ‘ina’, ‘mama’, ‘nanay’, children’, ‘anak’, ‘bata’ (n=42 in all interviews). The essence
of motherhood an the tendency of becoming a good mother is supposed to be an inseparable part
of femininity. The highlight of women’s caregiving is great and most participant consider that
men could not substitute women in taking care of children.

Several participants indicated that the woman of today are empowered since we are now
in the 21st century wherein we are experiencing a gradual change in gender roles. In connection
to this Gabtriela Silang was the 1st Filipino woman to lead an uprising against a foreign power
she and her husband Diego Silang created a rebel group going against the Spaniards who were
now abusing their power-forcing people out of their houses, commanding to pay taxes, raping
women and making sure that the Filipino remained indio. Based Cleve Ohio (2008), the Spaniard
push on more on the oppression of women, the fury and the passion inside of a women grew
stronger, creating the need in fighting for what is right. (Women Power as Study on Filipino
Women throughout Philippine History).

Since then women of today’s generation are getting involve into works that men are only
allowed to do so before. Just like entering in politics women before are not allowed to join any
political activities it is because they believe that women are only for household chores and don’t
have enough power to control such things. But then as time pass by things changed for women
are said to be much better in politics than men. Accordingly, the meaningful participation of
women in national, local, and community leadership roles has become an important focus on
global development policy. Women’s political participation results in tangible gains for
democracy, including grater responsiveness to citizen needs, increased cooperation across party
and ethnic lines, and a more sustainable future. Women’s participation in politics helps advances
gender equality and affects both the range of policy issues that get considered and the types of
solutions that are proposed. There is also strong evidence that as more women are elected to
office, there is corollary increase in policy making that emphasizes quality of life and reflects the
priorities of families, women, and ethnic and racial minorities. (Why women in Politics? 2018).
Analyzing interviews indicated that participants used the words ‘leadership’ and ’empowered’
(n=8 in all interviews), ‘leader’ (n=4 in all interviews).

On the other hand several participants answered that a women’s limitation is lifting and
carrying heavy objects given that women’s physique is smaller compared to men’s. According to
studies and researches carrying such heavy objects could affect women’s capability of
pregnancy. Women who reported lifting or moving heavy objects at work had 14% fewer mature
eggs, and 5% fewer antral follicles, compared with the women who reported having never lifted
or moved heavy objects at work. These findings have clinical implications, as women with fewer
mature oocytes (eggs would have fewer eggs which are capable of developing into healthy
embryos, 2016). (Heavy lifting at worked Linked to decreased Fertility in Women. In addition to
this “Shift work and physically demanding jobs linked to lower fertility in women” Sky News
reports. They also found that women who sometimes or often did heavy lifting or physically
demanding work produced fewer mature eggs. (Shift work and heavy lifting may make it harder
to get pregnant, 2017). And that, women who work more than 40 hours a week or routinely lift
heavy loads may take longer to get pregnant than women who don’t, a U.S study suggests
(Women who work or lift a lot may struggle to get pregnant, Rapaport 2015). Analyzing
interviews indicated that participants used the words “mababagkat’,’pagbuhat’, and ‘mabibigat’
(n=12 in all interviews.).

IV. CONCLUSION

This research attempted to explore the different perception of Cordilleran women

regarding femininity, examine the various roles, characteristics and personalities of women and
identify the limitations associated with it. The concept of femininity was studied within different
sub-ethnic groups—Kankana-ey, Kalanguya, Ibaloi—and main components were extracted.
After narrowing down the meaning of concepts according to perception of the participants. The
resulted typology of femininity included 10 perceived categories (i) Homemaker, (ii) Traditional
Perception, (iii) Modern Perception, (iv) Emotionally weak, (v) Feminine Modesty, (vi) Beauty,
(vii) Multi-tasking, (viii) Better Decision-Making, (ix) Uncivil and (x) Physical incapability.

Motherhood, Traditional Perspective and Modern Perception belong to the first objective
where various perception of femininity was instated. This is characterized by widely accepting
the traditionally function, social norms and the changes of women with the occurrence of time
and evolution of people’s mindset over it. While Emotionally Weak, Feminine Modesty, Beauty,
Multi-tasking, Better Decision-Making, Uncivil Traits, Homemaking and Women Empowerment
collectively belong to the second objective emphasizing the characteristics, personalities and
roles women practice. This is described by women’s roles, positions and attitudes. And that the
inability of women to do manly routines falls under physical incapability and is covered by the
Objective C –limitations of being a woman wherein this specifies a woman’s weakness.

The researchers have therefore concluded that many would suggest that the sole function
of being a woman (feminine) is to have children and to nurture them, in short, motherhood. As
caregivers, it is not only the role they have to practice, subsequent to raising a child properly one
should stay at home, do the household chores, and submit to their husbands –as they are known
to be the breadwinner who works to maintain the family’s financial stability.

Other some propose, however, that the femininity of women may not only be exercised at
home as they are now turning into more empowered sector of society which can perform. But
despite all the various differences of Cordilleran women the essence of femininity would still
remain the same and that would be being a woman is to become a mother.
RECOMMENDATION

Upon arriving at the conclusion, the researchers of the study see that there are still details
that are in need of consolidated, if not alteration. Thus, they advise the future developers of the
study to a) widen up the scope of the pertinent study and cite the views of women from all ethnic
groups in the Philippines, b) consider obtaining the perspective of men with regards to the study
and c) put into account acquiring the point of views of LGBTQ Community about the essence of
femininity.

The researchers would suggest the further researchers of the lateral study to continue the
study by obtaining, assuming feasibility, all perception of women from various ethnic groups in
Cordillera and soon after shall also make their scope broad and consider conducting a research
country-wide that shall cover the perception of Filipino women about femininity.

They would also recommend the next research studies to regard extracting the views of
men about femininity, so as to make consensus and fully understand the essence of femininity
from both ends.

Lastly, they would suggest the succeeding researchers to get the opinions/ perception of
the LGBTQ Community, since one of the virtues stated above is “equality”, this move shall be
its manifest.
Acknowledgement

First of all, we would like to thank our family for giving us encouragement, enthusiasm,
assistance and words of wisdom. Without all of these, we might not be able to complete this
properly.

We would like to thank our friends who was there since the beginning of our research
study and at the midst of downfall, for always being there alongside us whenever we are staying
up late. Without your moral support, we won’t don’t think we can go through this.

Next, we would like to express our deepest gratitude towards our Practical Research 2
instructor Ma’am Beverly Granadosin for administering over us throughout this study.

Then, to our participants who willingly answered our prepared questionnaires for without
them, we would definitely be unable to complete this study.

Fifth, to Mr. and Mrs. Bie for accommodating us during our research discourses for the
past 3 days.

To God who was always there for us especially when we were so stressed and down.
Thank you so much for giving us wisdom and strength to continue this task.

Finally, I apologize all other unnamed personnel who helped us in various ways to have a
well-written paper. This paper is not enough for us to express our unending gratitude for the
support and guidance we have received from each and every one.

Thank you very much!

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