Week 17- 女子力 Girl Power! (I-A)

What Is Joshi-ryoku? — A Global Look at Femininity
Week 13 – May 25

In Japan, the word 女子力 (joshi-ryoku) literally means “girl power” or “feminine strength.” But it’s not always about power in the traditional sense. Instead, joshi-ryoku often refers to how well a woman takes care of herself and others. It includes skills like cooking, looking stylish, having good manners, and being graceful—qualities that are seen as signs of a "high-level" woman in popular media and daily conversation.

However, this concept has sparked discussion. While some embrace joshi-ryoku as a way to empower themselves through self-improvement, others criticize it as reinforcing outdated gender roles. Does “girl power” mean being cute and helpful—or can it also mean being bold, independent, and outspoken?

How Femininity Looks Around the World

👗 In the U.S., "girl power" gained popularity during the 1990s with pop culture icons like the Spice Girls. It often focuses on independence, ambition, and confidence—celebrating women who speak up and take the lead.

🌹 In France, femininity is often tied to elegance and natural beauty. A French woman might express her “feminine power” through subtle fashion, self-respect, and emotional intelligence.

💼 In South Korea, similar to Japan, there is a focus on being neat, well-dressed, and caring. But recently, more women are redefining what it means to be feminine, blending beauty with ambition and strong career goals.

🎨 In Latin America, femininity is often expressive, warm, and passionate. Being feminine can mean taking pride in your appearance, but also being strong and family-oriented.

Idiom of the Week
Idiom: “Walk a fine line”
Meaning: To carefully balance between two different ideas or expectations.
Example: She walks a fine line between being traditionally feminine and challenging gender stereotypes.

Words of the Week – Understanding Culture and Gender (8)

👉 Feminine – Related to qualities that are traditionally associated with women.
👉 Expectations – Beliefs about how someone should behave.
👉 Empower – To give someone more strength or confidence.
👉 Graceful – Elegant in movement or behavior.
👉 Self-image – The way a person sees and values themselves.
👉 Outdated – No longer modern or appropriate.
👉 Stereotype – A fixed idea about a group of people, often incorrect.
👉 Redefine – To change the way we understand something.

Quote of the Week
"Femininity is not weakness. It’s a different kind of strength." — Unknown

Journal of the Week – Reflect and Write!
Theme: Femininity and Identity
What does femininity mean to you? Do you think joshi-ryoku is empowering or limiting? How is femininity seen in your culture?
Use at least three of this week’s words in your writing.