General Discussion

FarCenter

(19,429 posts) Sun Feb 26, 2012, 08:52 PM Feb 2012

Is the wearing of differently designed gowns genetically or culturally determined?

On the Oscar Night Red Carpet, most of the men are wearing modest variations on the theme of the basic tuxedo (although I did like Christoper Plummer's velvet one).

However, the women are wearing a wide array of designs which vary markedly in style, fabric and color.

Is this something that is genetically determined? (This might also explain the alleged interest in clothing design by homosexual men.)

Or it it something that is culturally determined as stereotypically female behavior? (Conceptually similar to the social convention of prelates dressing up in gowns and colorful hats, although see above for possible alternative explanation.)

12 replies

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Highlight:

Is the wearing of differently designed gowns genetically or culturally determined? (Original Post) FarCenter Feb 2012 OP

I would guess social... JSnuffy Feb 2012 #1

if men wore dresses things would be different JI7 Feb 2012 #2

cultural...I look awful in a dress, don't have the legs for it lol nt msongs Feb 2012 #3

It's genetic. It's obvious in many species, usually it's the male that's more decorated. dimbear Feb 2012 #4

I think it's financially determined Sanity Claws Feb 2012 #5

It's personal taste (which is how I dress). Louisiana1976 Feb 2012 #6

Sorry to toot my own thread but... CTyankee Feb 2012 #7

It's cultural, but the question is more about ... surrealAmerican Feb 2012 #8

Throughout history men have dressed up just like women lunatica Feb 2012 #9

Boojatta? Is that you? Brickbat Feb 2012 #10

:) pinboy3niner Feb 2012 #11

Yeah, I looked to see who wrote it too.. :-) Fumesucker Feb 2012 #12

JSnuffy

(374 posts)

1. I would guess social...

Reply to FarCenter (Original post)

Sun Feb 26, 2012, 08:53 PM

Feb 2012

JI7

(89,250 posts)

2. if men wore dresses things would be different

Reply to FarCenter (Original post)

Sun Feb 26, 2012, 08:57 PM

Feb 2012

msongs

(67,409 posts)

3. cultural...I look awful in a dress, don't have the legs for it lol nt

Reply to FarCenter (Original post)

Sun Feb 26, 2012, 08:57 PM

Feb 2012

dimbear

(6,271 posts)

4. It's genetic. It's obvious in many species, usually it's the male that's more decorated.

Reply to FarCenter (Original post)

Sun Feb 26, 2012, 09:00 PM

Feb 2012

We're just backwards in that respect. Compare peacocks and peahens.

Sanity Claws

(21,849 posts)

5. I think it's financially determined

Reply to FarCenter (Original post)

Sun Feb 26, 2012, 09:13 PM

Feb 2012

A lot of them will wear stuff only if it is given to them.

They don't buy those beautiful clothes.

Louisiana1976

(3,962 posts)

6. It's personal taste (which is how I dress).

Reply to FarCenter (Original post)

Sun Feb 26, 2012, 09:17 PM

Feb 2012

CTyankee

(63,912 posts)

7. Sorry to toot my own thread but...

Reply to FarCenter (Original post)

Sun Feb 26, 2012, 09:29 PM

Feb 2012

didn't you guys see my Friday AFternoon Challenge this last week?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002348031

Men have been well dressed all throughout time. Look at the array of designs and fabric in what the gentlemen are wearing in my post! You will find fur, gold trim, velvet, lace and satin shoes!

Pretty funny...

surrealAmerican

(11,361 posts)

8. It's cultural, but the question is more about ...

Reply to FarCenter (Original post)

Sun Feb 26, 2012, 10:00 PM

Feb 2012

... why men's choices are so limited.

lunatica

(53,410 posts)

9. Throughout history men have dressed up just like women

Reply to FarCenter (Original post)

Sun Feb 26, 2012, 10:08 PM

Feb 2012

Watch any French movie set before their revolution. Wigs, hose, make-up, lipstick, heals and stylish clothes which were difficult to move around in. Or during Queen Elizabeth's England where men wore those ridiculous short bloomers with tights and external groin cups and short capes.