I stumbled upon this blog posting at Crossdreamers.com that I found interesting.
http://www.crossdreamers.com/2013/09/gender-identity-in-barbie-land-case-of.html
It seems that as women come closer to achieving cultural equality with men in western society (like what's happened in Nordic nations), the more men and women attempt to distinguish themselves from the opposite sex through their presentation, i.e., dress and appearance.
In Norway, for example, young women are choosing the ultra-feminine look (Barbie-like), while young men are favoring a very masculine look, even as overall cultural attitudes, perspectives, and values are becoming progressively more feminine. In other words, as men and women fill roles in society more equally, their outward appearance becomes the only means left to differentiate their sexual roles.
Is this a good trend for transgenders?
On the one hand, greater male/female sexual equality should spill over to include the 'third sex', as well. But if that doesn't happen while men and women's appearances become more polarized, it becomes harder for trans-people to pass as their chosen gender.
Not good, me thinks.
Any thoughts?
CK