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Are pink and purple feminine colors? This is a question that has been debated for decades. While these shades have traditionally been associated with femininity in many cultures, the notion that certain colors are only for girls or women is seen by many today as an outdated gender stereotype. In this article, we will explore the history behind pink and purple as “feminine” colors, look at various cultural associations, examine if these color preferences are biologically or socially influenced, and consider how views are evolving in society today.
Historical Associations of Pink and Purple with Femininity
The association of the color pink, especially light pink, with girls and women is a relatively modern one in Western culture. Prior to the 20th century, pink was actually more closely associated with boys. The June 1918 issue of the children’s magazine Earnshaw’s Infants’ Department stated that “The generally accepted rule is pink for the boys, and blue for the girls. The reason is that pink, being a more decided and stronger color, is more suitable for the boy, while blue, which is more delicate and dainty, is prettier for the girl.” Blue was seen as a delicate, fragile color, hence more suitable for girls.
It is believed that the switch began in the 1940s, when retailers began promoting pink clothing and toys for girls. By the 1950s, pink was strongly established as a girl’s color in American culture. Marketers further reinforced this association through gendered product branding and packaging. The same solidifying of gender norms occurred for boys with the color blue.
Purple has also long been associated with femininity, again through reinforced cultural norms over decades. In 1856, English chemist William Henry Perkin accidentally created a purple dye called mauveine while experimenting with synthesizing quinine. This dye gained popularity in Victorian high society and Queen Victoria herself wore it, cementing purple as a royal and feminine shade.
Cultural Associations and Color Meanings
While pink and purple are seen as feminine in American and European cultures today, these associations vary across different societies. In Belgium, for example, pink is actually the color associated with baby boys, while blue is for girls. The color meanings stem from ancient traditions – blue evoking the Virgin Mary’s iconic blue robes in Catholic Belgium, while pink is considered a fiery, strong, masculine hue.
Similarly in Mexico, Poland, and various other countries, pink has masculine connotations. Various shades of purple also symbolize mourning or grief in some Hispanic and European cultures. In Thailand, purple is the color of widowhood. These examples demonstrate that “feminine” color associations are culturally determined, not universal human truths. Marketers’ 20th century gendered branding had a major impact in Western markets.
Biological vs. Social Theories on Color Preferences
Why did pink and purple become tagged as feminine in certain cultures to begin with? There are two major theories – biological and social.
The biological view proposes that women are inherently drawn to reddish and pinkish shades. Some scientists hypothesize that this preference evolved because in our hunter-gatherer days, women were the main gatherers and pinkish-reds indicate ripeness in fruits and plants. Another theory is that women prefer warmer colors due to superior color differentiation ability, part of female evolutionary adaptation.
The social theory contends that girls and women are socialized from birth by families, peers, and mass media to like stereotypically feminine colors. It is a learned association. Social theorists point out biological differences fail to explain cross-cultural variations in color preferences. They argue social norms are the primary driver.
There is likely some interplay between biological and social factors, but the weight of current research supports culture and learning as the main determinants of pink and purple as feminine. Studies show infant girls do not show clear color preferences until familiarized through cultural products and norms.
| Year | Study Findings |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 100 British infants showed no gender differences in color preferences until 2 years old, when girls showed more interest in pink. |
| 2009 | 127 Chinese infants showed increased preference for red over blue by 9 months old, regardless of gender. |
Evolving Views on Gendered Colors
While pink and purple are still heavily marketed to girls in the 21st century, views about masculine and feminine colors have slowly begun shifting.
As gender stereotypes face more scrutiny, many parents actively avoid pressuring color norms on kids. There is more acceptance today of boys wearing pink or girls wearing blue. Target made headlines in 2015 announcing they were removing gender divisions from toy departments.
Women’s rights and empowerment are also changing perceptions of feminine colors. The “pussyhat” knitted pink caps worn in the 2017 Women’s March protests reclaimed the color as a symbol of activism. Fuchsia has appeared in several high fashion “power dressing” collections.
Brands today must be cognizant that consumers include “third gender” and gender non-binary individuals who do not identify as male or female. Assuming colors like pink are only for women risks alienating segments of the market. The younger Generation Z cohort in particular tends to reject and resent traditional gender norms.
While pink and purple still tend to be marketed toward females, backlash against prescribed gender colors is growing. Wise companies recognize that color preferences are chosen, not innately fixed, and all hues can appeal to any gender.
Conclusion
Pink and purple have become culturally coded as feminine colors in America and other Western nations over the past century. However, this was not always the case historically and color meanings vary widely across global cultures. Research suggests social and cultural factors are more influential than biological differences in establishing gendered color preferences like pink for girls. While pink and purple are still strongly associated with women today, these norms face increasing challenges as views on gender evolve. Ultimately colors do not have inherent masculine or feminine qualities. Companies should reconsider limited approaches to color marketing and let goods speak for themselves regardless of hue.
