Why We Need to Stop Rolling Our Eyes at “Girl” Hobbies
You’ve probably heard it before—the subtle sneer when someone mentions a teenage girl’s extracurricular activities. “Oh, she’s on the dance team?” (Cue an eye roll.) “Of course she joined the yearbook committee.” (Insert a knowing smirk.) There’s an unspoken hierarchy in how we value kids’ hobbies, and activities stereotypically associated with girls—cheerleading, theater, art clubs, or even volunteering—often land at the bottom. But why does this bias persist, and what damage does it do? Let’s unpack this quiet dismissal of “girly” passions and why it’s time to take them seriously.
The Eye-Roll Epidemic
Society tends to equate “serious” or “impressive” extracurriculars with traits like toughness, intellect, or competitiveness. Football? Leadership. Robotics club? Genius. Debate team? Future lawyer. But when girls gravitate toward activities perceived as “soft” or “frilly,” adults and peers alike often downplay their significance. A 2022 study by the American Psychological Association found that resumes listing activities like cheerleading or fashion design were rated as “less ambitious” by hiring managers—even when skills like teamwork, creativity, and time management were emphasized.
This bias starts early. Girls are subtly steered away from “serious” pursuits and praised for being “helpful” or “artistic” instead of “driven” or “analytical.” Meanwhile, activities labeled as “for girls” become shorthand for “not challenging” or “frivolous.” A high school counselor in Texas shared anonymously: “I’ve had parents ask me to ‘redirect’ their daughters from joining the school musical to something ‘that looks better on college apps,’ like student government. But why is organizing a theater production less valuable than organizing a fundraiser?”
Where Does This Disgust Come From?
The aversion to “girly” activities is rooted in outdated stereotypes about femininity itself. Historically, traits like empathy, collaboration, and aesthetics have been coded as feminine—and therefore less respected in achievement-oriented spaces. Think about it: Society applauds boys who build robots but raises eyebrows at girls who design costumes. Both require creativity and technical skill, yet only one is seen as “legitimate.”
This double standard also reflects deeper discomfort with girls’ autonomy. When girls choose hobbies they enjoy—whether it’s baking cupcakes for a bake sale or choreographing a dance routine—it challenges the idea that their worth lies in meeting external expectations. A 16-year-old from Ohio put it bluntly: “If I join coding club, adults act like I’m ‘breaking barriers.’ But if I love my pottery class, they act like I’m wasting time. Why can’t I just like what I like?”
The Hidden Value of “Girl” Activities
Let’s dismantle the myth that “girly” hobbies lack substance. Take cheerleading: It combines athleticism, precision, and performance under pressure—skills comparable to any varsity sport. Drama clubs teach public speaking, emotional intelligence, and project management. Even seemingly “niche” interests, like curating a makeup tutorial channel or running a DIY jewelry shop, build marketing savvy, budgeting skills, and digital literacy.
Consider Mia, a high school junior from Florida who faced teasing for joining the yearbook committee. “People called it a ‘gossip club,’” she says. “But I learned graphic design, interviewed over 50 students, and managed deadlines. Now I’m interning at a local magazine.” Similarly, 14-year-old Lila’s passion for baking led her to study food chemistry and start a YouTube channel explaining science through dessert recipes—a hook that recently earned her a scholarship.
Changing the Narrative
So how do we fix this?
1. Challenge Your Own Biases
Parents and educators: Notice when you praise a girl for being “sweet” or “creative” but applaud a boy for being “smart” or “determined.” Encourage girls to explore all interests, not just those that fit gendered expectations.
2. Redefine “Impressive”
Colleges and employers are increasingly valuing diverse skill sets. A student who leads a community art project demonstrates leadership just as much as a class president. Highlight transferable skills like collaboration, problem-solving, and resilience—no matter the activity.
3. Amplify Role Models
Share stories of women who turned “feminine” passions into careers: chefs, designers, writers, or CEOs who credit skills learned in “unserious” hobbies. Taylor Swift’s songwriting discipline? Rooted in poetry clubs. Serena Williams’ resilience? Honed in tennis, yes, but also ballet.
4. Let Girls Own Their Choices
Avoid framing activities as “good for resumes” or “just for fun.” Trust girls to pursue what genuinely interests them. Passion breeds innovation—think of the teens launching eco-friendly fashion lines or mental health blogs through hobbies they love.
The Bottom Line
Dismissing “girls’ extracurriculars” as silly or shallow isn’t just unfair—it’s a missed opportunity. When we devalue activities because they’re feminine-coded, we tell girls their passions don’t matter unless they fit a narrow mold of success. But the world needs diverse perspectives: the problem-solvers and the poets, the engineers and the event planners.
Next time you hear someone mock a “girly” hobby, flip the script. Ask, “What’s she learning from it?” You might be surprised by the answer—and the incredible things she’ll do next.
Please indicate: Thinking In Educating » Why We Need to Stop Rolling Our Eyes at “Girl” Hobbies