Questionnaire Introduction -
In society there are preconceived expectations for people in their 20s.
I am currently at the beginning of my MA photography course and undertaking some initial research from people who have or are experiencing their 20s to better inform my starting point to help produce an accurate representation of the topic. The project will explore the societal pressures put on women in their 20s.
The answers you give will be completely anonymous and will be used to inform my research project. Your answers may be selected in my process to inform the progression of the project, however, your identity will remain anonymous.
If you would like to keep up-to-date with my project have a look at my website:
or Instagram:
@nikitabethany_photo
Thank you for your time!
Analysis of Results:
Questions 1-3
The initial primary research was relatively successful with 24 people participating in the research. The questionnaire's responses span a range ages from people in their 20s up to people over 55, these responses have some majorly areas of similarities as well as some difference. However, on the whole the response, the majority share some experiences within the pressures they have or are facing or the pressures they see the other gender having. Additionally, the questionnaire has an equal split of females and males, the majority of male response have little or no detail on the pressures they have faced in their 20s, however there were some anomalies which spoke about their experiences of pressures. When analysing the responses from females, there is definitely 3 areas highlighted as the main areas of pressures: marriage, children and career. When considering the percentage of people who have or have not experienced pressures, 75% of the group have experienced some form of pressures in their 20s, with the majority of the sample experiencing the pressures it is evident societal pressures have been prevalent in a majority of people's 20s and these pressures may have changed or even fluctuated in intensity but societal pressure for the most has been a constant throughout people's 20s.
Question 4
Analysing the results, there are three main areas which multiple people felt pressured in: marriage, family/parenthood and career. These pressures have been described in ways which seem to 'come from a good place' however the deep embedding of these societal pressure often appear harmless and as throw away comments. Below are some of the most prominent quotes expressing their personal thoughts and pressures:
'Pressure to have kids in the future, Children aren’t my top priority but I feel like my family and friends expect that of me. Pressures as being a “girl” I’m not seen as very smart or wise by family members.'
'“Aren’t you going to get married soon - made me feel strange”. Why is it any of other peoples business. We will be but at our own pace. “Are you going to have kids soon you’re approaching 30”. - same as above why is it their business. I also hate this preconceived idea that ALL women MUST reproduce like that’s all we’re here for.'
'Work, like is this it for the next 40 years? Kids and marriage are expected sure but you can say no. Work isn't optional.'
'To settle down and focus on career goals and family life'
The throw away comments such as 'Aren't you going to get married soon' as harmless as they seem when accompanied by other comments, result in weighted pressures. These comments and pre-conceived ideologies are detrimental to mental health and self-belief as this pre-made timeline for the 20s can be especially hard to live up to and often leave people unsure as to whether they are on track again spiralling these pressures.
Question 5
Comments:
'It made me rebel if I’m honest, I’m driven to doing my own thing, so I’m currently doing a masters, wanting to do a PhD, wanting to get really high in academics.'
'Yes, I feel like I am a constant disappointment and let down to my family and those around me, I also compare myself to others who perhaps have more of this sorted than me.'
'Yes. I decided they must be right and that having another would be the best thing for my family. I fell pregnant when my first was only 9 months old. Resulting in 2 children only 18 months apart which was so stressful I suffered badly from post natal depression.'
'No, as I want all of these things myself but I can understand why people would feel pressured by them who don’t want children/marriage/a house'
'Yes, I felt forced and rush to fit into social norms instead of enjoying what I like'
Following the previous questions, there has been a mix of answers depending on which avenue the person went down. These pressures for some encouraged elements of rebellion, to focus on there personal goals such as academia, however, when considering the rebellion, in some ways they have succumb to other pre exposed ideology i.e. to continue education is often pressured after college. Although, fitting into an area of pressure these rebellious actions were focused in an area of self fuelled success rather than the thoughts of others. Although, diametrically opposing this, other have felt as a 'disappointment' or suffered with other outcomes such as post natal depression, again the pressures implemented by close networks and external factors cause us to overthink and often compare to those who seem to have it 'figured out' spiralling the initial pressures into areas much bigger than the start.
Question 6
Comments:
'I feel social pressures are harder now because in the past people expected women to stay home and look after children, now if they want to work which is normal now they are made to feel like they don’t spend enough time with their children. If they don’t work they are made to feel lazy for not going to work. If they have one child it’s “not enough” if they have 3 or more it’s “to many” it’s like you just can’t win anymore.'
'I think it has changed, largely for the worse. I think a lot of people (not me) see 20s as often being workshy or not willing to commit to a career, but who wish to seek 'easy' jobs with high pay and rewards, rather than working hard over a period of time to achieve the trappings of success. And although it is changing, alot of people still judge others eg 20s etc on outward appearance, so see tattoos and piercings as unconventional and possibly to be regarded with suspicion.'
'Yes, it has changed, particularly for women. I feel like young women are still expected to settle down, become mothers and home makers before their 30’s in the traditional sense, but also work and provide for their family to the same extent. It is great traditional gender roles have shifted but in my experience it adds to the pressures of being a young mother greatly.'
'Yes, definitely for better, women aren’t expected to have children as early on, there’s a bigger push for women and their careers, women have more rights etc. I still think society still holds grudges against women for certain things though'
Similar to the previous question there is a mix review on whether these pressures have changed. Some people believe that these pressures have lost intensity but in losing the intensity there is new pre-sculpted pressures i.e. the modern women often is expected to have children but at the same time pursue a career which was not as common 50 years ago. In addition, other's feel the pressures have become worse due to the ever increasing expectations, this may be from the introduction of social media platforms and the fictions narratives people often lead on these platforms setting unrealistic standards. Furthermore, others feel the pressure have become better with there being more opportunities for women. Although, when considering all the responses it is clear to see that whether the change is better, the same or worse most people have identified that there are now new and more pressures (regardless of intensity) which face the modern day women whether that be parenthood, marriage, career etc.
Question 7
'Do what you want and don’t give into society’s ideology of what you should be doing at your age. You do you'
'Do whatever you want. There aren’t any rules. If you want to change your plans then do it! Life has a funny way of working out!'
'Set your own goals. Do as much as you can for yourself and focus on anything you want to achieve before you settle down. Relationships come and go but life is too short to regret missed opportunities.'
'You are fucked. So get as much life experience as you can'
Summary:
From the results, it is evident that in society there is pre-conceived ideas and pressures for people in their 20s. The first areas I want to tackle photographically is marriage, parenthood and family. I will further delve into each category to find out the origins, why these are highly pressured and discuss these topics with people who have and have not experienced these. Additionally, question 7 has given me the initial idea to explore postcards as a presentation method by photographing the generational figure for the front and hand writing people's experiences and advice on the other side. Furthermore, I need to refine my initial research as at present the questions offer too much scope for me to be able to further define my idea. I am going to create a few more research areas on each of the three topics identified to help with the presentation of the work.
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