Pink is a color that in modern times is strongly associated with femininity and girls. However, this association of pink with female gender roles is actually a relatively recent historical phenomenon. Up until the early 20th century, pink was more commonly associated with boys and masculinity, while blue was the preferred color for girls. In this article, we will explore the historical shifts around the gendered associations of the color pink and address the question: was pink originally a color for men?
Pink as a Masculine Color
For most of history, pink was actually considered a masculine color, while blue was seen as more delicate and feminine. Some historians suggest this gendered distinction of colors stretches all the way back to the ancient Greeks and Romans.
| Historical Period | Masculine Color | Feminine Color |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Greece | Pink | Blue |
| Ancient Rome | Pink | Blue |
| Renaissance | Pink | Blue |
| 18th Century | Pink | Blue |
This notion of pink for boys and men persisted through the Renaissance and into the 18th century. Pink was seen as a watered down, lighter version of red, which was considered a fierce, martial color. Blue, meanwhile, was associated with the Virgin Mary and considered dainty and feminine. For example, portrait paintings from the Renaissance often depict men wearing various shades of pink, while women are dressed in lighter blues.
This gender divide regarding pink and blue was especially prevalent in infant and children’s clothing. Up until the early 20th century, most baby boys were dressed in pink, which was thought to be a sturdier, bolder color appropriate for young males. Baby girls, on the other hand, were dressed in softer, daintier blue and white dresses.
The 20th Century Gender Reversal
So when did pink start transitioning to a female color? The shift began slowly in the late 19th century as the women’s rights movement began gaining momentum. Women’s increasing prominence in society was reflected in young girls starting to wear pink dresses and outfits, while many boys switched over to blue.
The switch was gradual at first but then rapidly accelerated after World War II. With men away fighting, women had taken over many traditional male jobs and roles in society. As gender roles blurred, pink was increasingly adopted as the color for young girls and femininity. By the 1950s, pink was firmly established as a girl’s color in the United States and much of the Western world.
Some key events marking pink’s switch to a female color include:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1927 | Time magazine includes poll results showing most Americans associating pink with femininity |
| 1940s | Disney films like Bambi depict female characters wearing pink |
| 1940s-50s | Mamie Eisenhower wears pink gowns, cementing it as a first lady’s color |
| 1970s-80s | Unisex infant clothing is abandoned, pink for girls dominates |
By the late 20th century, the tables had completely turned, with pink strongly associated with girls and women in the vast majority of contexts.
Modern Associations
Walk into any children’s clothing department today and you’ll be bombarded with pink apparel and accessories intended for girls. Toys and other products targeting girls and women are also overwhelmingly pink “gendered” marketing.
Studies suggest this modern association between pink and female gender identity develops early. Research has shown that by age 2, young toddlers already demonstrate a preference for pink if they identify as female. This preference intensifies as girls grow older and start expressing their femininity through fashion and consumer choices.
However, some individuals and companies are trying to use pink to counteract traditional gender roles. For example, some parents dress young boys in pink to actively work against the stereotype that pink is only for girls. Swedish company Polarn O. Pyret released a line of gender-neutral pink children’s clothing to show that colors should not be limited by gender.
While pink’s association with femininity seems stronger than ever, the color’s history confirms this was not always the case. For centuries, pink was actually more closely tied to boys and men. So while today pink conjures up images of frilly dresses and Barbie dolls, it was once the preferred shade for soldiers’ uniforms!
Conclusion
In summary:
– For most of recorded history, pink was associated with masculinity and blue with femininity
– This was true across ancient cultures like Greece and Rome, through the Renaissance and 18th century
– Pink was seen as a bold, martial color appropriate for boys and men
– The switch began happening slowly in the late 1800s as societal gender roles started changing
– Pink rapidly became a feminine color in the mid-20th century
– Disney films, Mamie Eisenhower, and unisex clothing all reinforced pink as for girls
– This change was essentially complete by the 1970s and 80s
So while pink is undoubtedly considered a feminine, female color in the 21st century, this gender association actually represents a dramatic reversal from earlier historical periods when pink was worn primarily by males rather than females.
