Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

Behavioral Tasks for Examining Identity Recognition In Mice
Published on: February 7, 2025
Tomboy as protective identity
1Department of Psychology & Communication Studies, University of Idaho, Moscow, USA. tcraig@uidaho.edu
Abstract:
The tomboy in contemporary U.S. culture is a complex identity, providing meaning to many girls and women. In this article, we argue tomboy as a gendered social identity also provides temporary "protections" to girls and women in three main ways. First, tomboy identity can excuse masculine-typed behavior in girls and women and, in doing so, protect women from presumptions about sexual reputation and sexual orientation. Second, tomboy identities can provide some protection for lesbian girls and women who prefer to not divulge their sexual orientation. And, third, tomboy identity can gain women limited privilege to spaces for which masculinity is an unspoken requirement. The temporary nature of the protections provided to tomboys undermines the ability of tomboys to truly transcend the binary gender system.
Related Concept Videos
Protecting Self-Esteem
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth. This guiding role...
Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
Marcia's Theory of Identity Status
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Social Identity

