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"Doing Gender" was an article and concept coined by sociologists Candace West and Don Zimmerman in 1987 published in ''[https://journals.sagepub.com/home/gas Gender and Society].'' Doing ''[[gender]]'' refers to process of creating [[gender|''gender'']] through interactions in particular social settings. In other words, ''[[gender]]'' may be challenged and revised, both in individual interactions and in institutional settings.

In "Doing Gender," West and Zimmerman describe the concept as a routine accomplishment in everyday life. We "do ''[[gender]]''" all the time and cannot avoid doing it. It is not what a person is but rather what a person does, in interaction with others. It is considered a social construction. For example, when a [[male|''male'']] opens a door for a [[female|''female'']] , it considered being a polite "gentleman." In terms of "doing gender," the ''[[Man|male]]'' was reinforcing an idea of ''[[gender]]'' through his actions in a particular social setting. It marks a ''[[gender]]'' difference because the gesture was either a sign of respect or assumption that women are the weaker ''[[sex]]'' and need help from men. After a while, these ''[[gender]]'' differences become ordinary and a part of what we do.

Doing ''[[gender]]'' is also taught through the context of social structures and institutions. Within families, schools, and workplaces, people use their power to enforce ''[[gender]]'' roles. Conformity is encouraged and reinforced by criticizing and punishing those ''[[Man|men]]'' and ''[[Woman|women]]'' who challenge traditional ''[[gender]]'' roles. As a result, it can result in social stratification; ''[[Man|men]]'' are being dominant and ''[[Woman|women]]'' are being submissive, resulting in power differences.

==External links==
http://www.gla.ac.uk/0t4/crcees/files/summerschool/readings/WestZimmerman_1987_DoingGender.pdf
[[Category:Transgender Concepts]]