Breaching Experiment
Berjay, de la Cruz, Ordillas, Uy, Valoria
LINK TO VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpeS4aVxE3o&feature=youtu.be
LINK TO POWERPOINT: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1MykbpjarP-ivecyxP4qX1E4zrwyvZ7UGNTEMmS7z0mw/edit?usp=sharing
- What norm did you violate?
The norm that was violated in this breaching experiment is the standard clothing of the opposite
sexes. The standard clothing of males include pants, boy shorts, T-shirts, and sports attire like
basketball shorts and alike. As for females, these typically include skirts, dresses, short shorts,
blouses, and similar attires. For this social experiment, the group deviated from the standard
clothing used by males and females in today’s society by cross-dressing, in which a male wore
a dress and a female wore a basketball jersey, while walking casually in a mall amongst other
individuals.
sexes. The standard clothing of males include pants, boy shorts, T-shirts, and sports attire like
basketball shorts and alike. As for females, these typically include skirts, dresses, short shorts,
blouses, and similar attires. For this social experiment, the group deviated from the standard
clothing used by males and females in today’s society by cross-dressing, in which a male wore
a dress and a female wore a basketball jersey, while walking casually in a mall amongst other
individuals.
- Describe the breaching experiment in detail. What was the activity? What did you do?
In the breaching experiment done by our group, we assigned two members of the opposite
sex to cross-dress. Cross-dressing is the act of wearing clothes of the opposite sex (Cloud n.d.).
It is when a woman decides to wear clothes of a man, and vice versa. Hence, the assigned male
crossdresser wore a dress and carried a handbag, while the female crossdresser wore a basketball
jersey. In order to get as many reactions from other people, our group decided to do the
experiment in a crowded place, thus, it was done in UP Town Center. UP Town center is a known
mall in Katipunan where students, families, and office workers would often go to. For an hour,
the group split into two groups while roaming around the mall. The first half would go with the
male member, while the other half went with the female member. This was done in order to see
the difference in the reactions of people to a female who is cross-dressing from a male who is
cross-dressing. The other members’ role were to document the reactions of the people. After
an hour of getting as many reactions separately, the group met up in one place to document the
reactions of people when the two crossdressers were walking together.
sex to cross-dress. Cross-dressing is the act of wearing clothes of the opposite sex (Cloud n.d.).
It is when a woman decides to wear clothes of a man, and vice versa. Hence, the assigned male
crossdresser wore a dress and carried a handbag, while the female crossdresser wore a basketball
jersey. In order to get as many reactions from other people, our group decided to do the
experiment in a crowded place, thus, it was done in UP Town Center. UP Town center is a known
mall in Katipunan where students, families, and office workers would often go to. For an hour,
the group split into two groups while roaming around the mall. The first half would go with the
male member, while the other half went with the female member. This was done in order to see
the difference in the reactions of people to a female who is cross-dressing from a male who is
cross-dressing. The other members’ role were to document the reactions of the people. After
an hour of getting as many reactions separately, the group met up in one place to document the
reactions of people when the two crossdressers were walking together.
- What were the different reactions of the people? List all possible reactions you observed. Why do you think they reacted this way? What caused these reactions? Did the deviant act re-affirm/ reinforce the existing norms based on these reactions?
In modern times, cross-dressing can be used as a disguise, or a means of comfort and
self-expression (Sociology 341, n.d.). Throughout history, it is has been expected that there
be distinctions in terms of the type of clothing worn by males and females. As such,
most societies have established a set of social norms that define the type of clothing
appropriate for each sex. A man who wears a dress is thought to be recognized as a
deviant; however, in the modern world we live in today, cross-dressing goes beyond
foolishness and deviance It is highly grounded on a universally logical desire of finding
your own identity, and exploring your desires (Sociology 341, n.d.). Dressing like a
female for example, although a bit dramatic, could be seen as a reasonable way to
explore the intriguing experiences of the opposite sex.
self-expression (Sociology 341, n.d.). Throughout history, it is has been expected that there
be distinctions in terms of the type of clothing worn by males and females. As such,
most societies have established a set of social norms that define the type of clothing
appropriate for each sex. A man who wears a dress is thought to be recognized as a
deviant; however, in the modern world we live in today, cross-dressing goes beyond
foolishness and deviance It is highly grounded on a universally logical desire of finding
your own identity, and exploring your desires (Sociology 341, n.d.). Dressing like a
female for example, although a bit dramatic, could be seen as a reasonable way to
explore the intriguing experiences of the opposite sex.
While performing the experiment, and looking back at the reactions observed, we
noticed that people reacted differently upon seeing the opposite sexes cross-dressed. The
experiment went as expected for the cross-dressed male, but when a female dressed like
a male, it did not attract as much reactions as we had hoped for. According to David
Newman and Jodi O’brien, deviance is not an inherent feature or personality trait, rather,
it is a consequence of a definitional process (Newman and O’brien, 2013). This
definitional process is mainly influenced by how the society defines certain things
through experiences (Mociones 2017). When the female wore a male’s basketball jersey,
very little people reacted significantly. It appeared as though it was normal for a female
to wear such clothing. This observation is explained by modernization of the times such that it has become “normal” for females to dress this way. Considering other factors such as the involvement of women in different sports, as well as the requirement of PE uniforms in most schools and universities, we understand why such deviance to the norm did not attract the attention of many people. Moreover, a basketball jersey was used in this experiment, which may not have been the best choice since male and female basketball jerseys are quite similar, and it has become a trend for both males and females to wear jerseys casually (Williams, 2018). Other assumptions may have governed the lack of reactions such as the female wearing the jersey, who looked quite young, suggesting the possibility of people thinking that she is just a high school student wearing a PE uniform. Additionally, the way the female wore the jersey may have contributed to these results. Instead of wearing the jersey as it is supposed be for males, loose and baggy, the female in this experiment tucked in the shirt and pulled up the shorts a little above the waistline, making it look more fitted and stylish, which is typical of a female. Given this, the group could have improved on attracting more reactions by having the female wear something more distinctly male like a suit and tie for example. However, given the limited time and resources, the group was not able to do so. As seen from the reactions observed, instead of supposedly deviating from the norm, the female was able to reinforce it, suggesting that male sportsware can be worn casually and stylishly by a female.
noticed that people reacted differently upon seeing the opposite sexes cross-dressed. The
experiment went as expected for the cross-dressed male, but when a female dressed like
a male, it did not attract as much reactions as we had hoped for. According to David
Newman and Jodi O’brien, deviance is not an inherent feature or personality trait, rather,
it is a consequence of a definitional process (Newman and O’brien, 2013). This
definitional process is mainly influenced by how the society defines certain things
through experiences (Mociones 2017). When the female wore a male’s basketball jersey,
very little people reacted significantly. It appeared as though it was normal for a female
to wear such clothing. This observation is explained by modernization of the times such that it has become “normal” for females to dress this way. Considering other factors such as the involvement of women in different sports, as well as the requirement of PE uniforms in most schools and universities, we understand why such deviance to the norm did not attract the attention of many people. Moreover, a basketball jersey was used in this experiment, which may not have been the best choice since male and female basketball jerseys are quite similar, and it has become a trend for both males and females to wear jerseys casually (Williams, 2018). Other assumptions may have governed the lack of reactions such as the female wearing the jersey, who looked quite young, suggesting the possibility of people thinking that she is just a high school student wearing a PE uniform. Additionally, the way the female wore the jersey may have contributed to these results. Instead of wearing the jersey as it is supposed be for males, loose and baggy, the female in this experiment tucked in the shirt and pulled up the shorts a little above the waistline, making it look more fitted and stylish, which is typical of a female. Given this, the group could have improved on attracting more reactions by having the female wear something more distinctly male like a suit and tie for example. However, given the limited time and resources, the group was not able to do so. As seen from the reactions observed, instead of supposedly deviating from the norm, the female was able to reinforce it, suggesting that male sportsware can be worn casually and stylishly by a female.
The male wearing a dress, on the other hand, attracted quite a lot of attention, although
there were still some people who did not react. It is more eccentric to see a straight male
dressed as a female, and strongly deviates from the expected social norms. However,
the notion of of transgender also plays a role in governing the reactions of the people.
Some people automatically associate the act of cross-dressing to the transgender sexuality
and homosexual behavior, but the term itself does not imply such motives
(Sociology 341, n,d,). Being the 21st century, it is not rare that you encounter a
transgender person in a mall, which is probably why some people did not find it uncanny
to see a male dressed as such. Although, most of the people were observed to stare, look
back, or question such behavior. Several other factors such as how the male walked
or acted in the dress may have also influenced these reactions. The male smiled a lot,
and did not walk around the mall very seriously, which may have caused people to
laugh, thinking that it was a joke or a prank. Overall, given these reactions, the male
can be said to have deviated from the social norm of wearing clothing appropriate for
the male sex.
there were still some people who did not react. It is more eccentric to see a straight male
dressed as a female, and strongly deviates from the expected social norms. However,
the notion of of transgender also plays a role in governing the reactions of the people.
Some people automatically associate the act of cross-dressing to the transgender sexuality
and homosexual behavior, but the term itself does not imply such motives
(Sociology 341, n,d,). Being the 21st century, it is not rare that you encounter a
transgender person in a mall, which is probably why some people did not find it uncanny
to see a male dressed as such. Although, most of the people were observed to stare, look
back, or question such behavior. Several other factors such as how the male walked
or acted in the dress may have also influenced these reactions. The male smiled a lot,
and did not walk around the mall very seriously, which may have caused people to
laugh, thinking that it was a joke or a prank. Overall, given these reactions, the male
can be said to have deviated from the social norm of wearing clothing appropriate for
the male sex.
- Aside from the norms, what SA themes are at play for people to react in a certain way. Is it a function of gender (gender norms, roles), social class (normals of the rich & the poor), values/beliefs of institutions (religion, family, peer group, etc.). [You could design the experiment based on these sociological themes. For example, you could compare reactions according to gender, social issues, etc. That would be more interesting-- and might obtain a better grade]
One SA theme that can be observed in this breaching experiment is the function of gender.
Throughout the experiment, various reactions could be seen from different people due
to a violation of the gender norm. This is because gender plays a big role in everything
we do in our lives (Macionis 2017). Despite the notions of transgender in modern society,
our experiment, particularly the part of the cross-dressed male still triggered a lot reactions.
In addition to gender, our experiment was also designed based on certain morals and
beliefs. According to Henslin, the expectations of social groups, culture, religious beliefs,
and morality have a significant effects on how we act and respond to different things
(Stinson, n.d.). Using the SI perspective, it is possible that those who reacted significantly
may have certain beliefs or morals that triggered their emotional reactions. Our
experiment also aimed to assess how people perceive this deviant behavior, not only
in terms of violating the gender social norms, but also going against certain morals and
beliefs, particularly those who may have been offended by the experiment.
Throughout the experiment, various reactions could be seen from different people due
to a violation of the gender norm. This is because gender plays a big role in everything
we do in our lives (Macionis 2017). Despite the notions of transgender in modern society,
our experiment, particularly the part of the cross-dressed male still triggered a lot reactions.
In addition to gender, our experiment was also designed based on certain morals and
beliefs. According to Henslin, the expectations of social groups, culture, religious beliefs,
and morality have a significant effects on how we act and respond to different things
(Stinson, n.d.). Using the SI perspective, it is possible that those who reacted significantly
may have certain beliefs or morals that triggered their emotional reactions. Our
experiment also aimed to assess how people perceive this deviant behavior, not only
in terms of violating the gender social norms, but also going against certain morals and
beliefs, particularly those who may have been offended by the experiment.
- How did you feel when you did this experiment? How does it feel to deviate from the norms? Were you hesitant to do the activity?
Being one of the “actors” in this experiment, I felt very anxious before we even started
filming as I had a already received a lot of reactions right after I changed into a dress in the
men’s bathroom. We received more reactions from people as we walked around the mall, but it
felt more uncomfortable for me, wearing a dress, as I gathered more attention compared to our
groupmate who dressed up as boy as it is more socially accepted for girls to wear such clothing
as stated earlier. It felt very unnatural for me to walk around in a dress as most of the responses
I received from people were negative, having deviated from the norms.
filming as I had a already received a lot of reactions right after I changed into a dress in the
men’s bathroom. We received more reactions from people as we walked around the mall, but it
felt more uncomfortable for me, wearing a dress, as I gathered more attention compared to our
groupmate who dressed up as boy as it is more socially accepted for girls to wear such clothing
as stated earlier. It felt very unnatural for me to walk around in a dress as most of the responses
I received from people were negative, having deviated from the norms.
As a girl dressing up as a guy, in the beginning, I felt anxious of the reactions I would be
getting from the people I was going to see. However, as I start walking, I have noticed that
most of the people I see did not care of what I was wearing. The reactions I got was completely
different from the reactions my other groupmate received. People were more accepting of a
girl wearing a boy’s outfit compared to the other way around. This is because of the judgy
looks the guy got compared to mine, which were mostly indifference.
getting from the people I was going to see. However, as I start walking, I have noticed that
most of the people I see did not care of what I was wearing. The reactions I got was completely
different from the reactions my other groupmate received. People were more accepting of a
girl wearing a boy’s outfit compared to the other way around. This is because of the judgy
looks the guy got compared to mine, which were mostly indifference.
As someone who filmed the experiment, I felt quite excited to see the reactions of
other people towards the deviant behavior. Upon seeing our male groupmate in a dress, I
was filled with laughter and excitement to see how people would react. I guess deviance
triggers that feeling of rebellion and freedom to go against what is right or what is expected
of you, but there is also that fear and intimidation that makes you just want to conform. I was
not hesitant at all to do this activity, probably because I was not the one who would deviate
from the social norms, but there was still a part of me that was worried about how people,
especially adults and government officials, would respond to this behavior. In the experiment,
I filmed the reactions of the people in response to seeing a female dressed in a male basketball
jersey, so on my part, I was a bit disappointed and frustrated upon not garnering much
reactions despite walking all over the mall. As a whole, I was very interested in our experiment,
and relatively satisfied with how it all played out.
other people towards the deviant behavior. Upon seeing our male groupmate in a dress, I
was filled with laughter and excitement to see how people would react. I guess deviance
triggers that feeling of rebellion and freedom to go against what is right or what is expected
of you, but there is also that fear and intimidation that makes you just want to conform. I was
not hesitant at all to do this activity, probably because I was not the one who would deviate
from the social norms, but there was still a part of me that was worried about how people,
especially adults and government officials, would respond to this behavior. In the experiment,
I filmed the reactions of the people in response to seeing a female dressed in a male basketball
jersey, so on my part, I was a bit disappointed and frustrated upon not garnering much
reactions despite walking all over the mall. As a whole, I was very interested in our experiment,
and relatively satisfied with how it all played out.
- Other observations and analysis that you may have on the activity and on deviance in general.
During the experiment, some of our groupmates documented and noticed that some people were
surprised to see our male groupmate wearing a dress to the extent that we heard someone say “oh
my god” as we were walking. There were also stares from people as they were not used to seeing
a man wearing a woman’s dress. We also caught men laughing at the dress that our groupmate was
wearing, while others tried to hide their laughter so as not to offend our groupmate. We also saw
confusion on other people’s faces especially from old women since they are not used to seeing people
crossdress and act like the opposite gender.
surprised to see our male groupmate wearing a dress to the extent that we heard someone say “oh
my god” as we were walking. There were also stares from people as they were not used to seeing
a man wearing a woman’s dress. We also caught men laughing at the dress that our groupmate was
wearing, while others tried to hide their laughter so as not to offend our groupmate. We also saw
confusion on other people’s faces especially from old women since they are not used to seeing people
crossdress and act like the opposite gender.
The experiment really focussed on assessing how people would react to the deviant behavior.
Throughout history, it has been established that males and females should dress according to their sex.
The act of cross-dressing, as seen from the reactions of the people, proved to show that deviating from
the norm attracts the attention of people, along with their negative responses and labels associated with
the behavior.
Throughout history, it has been established that males and females should dress according to their sex.
The act of cross-dressing, as seen from the reactions of the people, proved to show that deviating from
the norm attracts the attention of people, along with their negative responses and labels associated with
the behavior.
References:
- Cloud, D. (n.d.). What is Cross-Dressing. [accessed 2019 May 7]. Available from https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-cross-dressing-definition-psychology.html
- Williams, A. 2018. 40 Outfits you must try. Lolobu [Internet]. [accessed 2019 May 7]. Available from https://lolobu.com/entry/CzyRiO6UGc/-
- Newman, D., O’brien, J. 2013. Sociology exploring the architecture of everyday life | readings 9. Sage Publications: California. [accessed 2019 May 7]. Available from https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1p4MZtxoyOGcvj7SOsgrrP3b74yP_RpLT?fbclid=IwAR2kY_1C2szLJfoRFDvhd2yQ4JwkqJS2C50N4u1BETErg4JIDinxQ3P8Nwo
- Ehrensaft, D. 2018. In their own words – What transgender activists have in store for your children. Life Site [accessed 2019 May 7]. Available from https://www.lifesitenews.com/blogs/in-their-own-words-what-transgender-activists-have-in-store-for-your-childr
- Sociology 341. (n.d.) [accessed 2019 May 7]. Available from http://sociology341.weebly.com/crossdressers.html
- Stinson, K. (n.d.) Religion and Morality in Weight Loss Groups. Down to Earth Sociology. [accessed 2019 May 7]. Available from https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1p4MZtxoyOGcvj7SOsgrrP3b74yP_RpLT?fbclid=IwAR2kY_1C2szLJfoRFDvhd2yQ4JwkqJS2C50N4u1BETErg4JIDinxQ3P8Nwo
- Mociones, J. (2017). Sociology (16th ed.).
CONTRIBUTIONS:
JM Berjay: Acted in the video, answered question #5
Jaime De la Cruz: Filmed and edited the video
Mia Ordillas: Filmed the video, answered question #6
Ashley Uy: Filmed the video, answered questions #1,3,5,4,6
Ange Valoria: Acted in the video, answered questions # 2,4,5
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