Sisterhood and Brotherhood

1. Sisterhood
Deep connections (with sisters by blood and by choice)
trust
Love
Sorority
Familial vs. friendship
Emotional expression of feelings
Crying, sharing sadness
Physical affection (hugging and kissing)
Sometimes difficult to see that it isn’t romantic, seems almost on the same level
Nurturing
Needy, insecurity, not being independent
Anger is verbal rather than physical
Popularity (who fits in)
Catty
Critical
The real relationships are different from what is on the surface (hypocrisy)
The image is to always to sweet and nice
Exclusive
Protection of sister when there is a perceived threat
Sleepovers
Social
Talk with other women in the bathroom, comment on appearance or other traits
Share intimate details about bodies, sex, periods, fears
Congregate ( talk in the bathroom)
Talk to strangers
We create our sisterhoods the way we create our friendships
United
Witches
White feminism
More open to gender identity differences
Internalized oppression
Women’s march (invite men)
Me Too movement
Drama
Open
Easily give and receive compliments, often on appearance

2. Brotherhood
Deep Connection both by choice and by blood (familial vs. friendship)
Fraternity
Gang
Military
Sports teams
Not expressed through physical tenderness
No crying
Toughness
Machismo
Sarcastic
Joking
Rowdy
Physically violent, wrestling and hitting
Wing man okay but independence valued
Don’t invite confidences
Maintaining power
Competitive
Revolves around common interests (Sports, work, games)
No fake friendship. Okay to ignore someone you dislike
Gym and bathroom etiquette (Not okay to notice each others’ bodies)
Choose sides and stick with them
Team spirit
Territorial
Don’t worry abut things, don’t get involved in things that don’t immediately concern them
Discrimination. Gender identity affects acceptance
Standoffish
Intense
Don’t give and accept compliments easily
Protective if there is a connection