The time-honored technique of petticoating of young boys, or even older males, to control their boisterous, self-centred and aggressive behavior seems to offer a possible solution to many problems being experienced today. Over the last century and a half at least, it has been noted that this procedure has been used with considerable success. Why this works, and various approaches to its implementation, seem worthy of further review.

However, before one becomes too deeply enmeshed in the ramifications of this technique, it may be as well to discuss what actually defines the male and female gender. Presently, it is usually stated that one's physical attributes, and ability to initiate the production of offspring, establishes one as being male rather than female. In many cultures and human practices, the male is the giver and the female is the receiver.

Be that as it may, it appears to be an oversimplification of what truly establishes one's actual gender. Let's use a personal computer as an example. Personal computers come with all the appropriate hardware. You have the hard drive, a monitor, a keyboard, modems, and printers, to name just a few. All are physical, hard mechanical/electronic devices, which will do nothing by themselves. When we add abstract programs, the software, then the computer takes on a useful identity. People or humankind are pretty much the same.  Using physical attributes alone, without taking into consideration mental and emotional assignment, falls way short as a method of determining what one's true gender might be.

When we think in terms of physical aspects only, then we usually quickly decide which category a person falls into. It will be either male or female. But, when mental bearing is included, then the picture becomes more complex. Now we have a situation where one tends to be one or the other, and we have to think in terms of average traits or tendencies, as every individual is different. This can help to explain why petticoating can be so effective. It is the influence of modifying mental attitudes. And mental attitudes can be changed, while physical attributes cannot.

In today's world it is much easier for a female to assume the characteristics of a male, than it is for a male to adopt the life style of a female, and this, to a certain extent, helps explain why petticoating does work. Males are taught at an early age that being 'male' means being aggressive, superior, and demanding. If they deviate from this, they are 'sissies', weird, and unmanly: all meant as derogatory terms, and something that they should avoid.

Females from birth onwards are encouraged toward the tasks of nurturing, caring, and supporting. They are trained in the most part to be more patient and considerate. They tend to develop the more artistic outlooks on life, and are less likely to be involved in those tasks that males seem to excel in. However, when they do, they are not looked down upon like their male counterparts who adapt feminine tasks. It comes as no surprise that males, when faced with petticoating, will naturally resist, at least in the beginning. The act of petticoating can have a significant psychological impact on a male's mental outlook.

On the other hand, today females are being encouraged to act in a more masculine fashion, and to a degree this has been necessary, for them to obtain a more equal standing in society. One sad result is that to a certain extent they have given up many of their more desirable traits. Look at the dress code of today. We see woman more often wearing pants, and of rough, hard materials, and dark colors. Gone, are the nice form-fitting dresses of the seventies and eighties, with delicate laces and ruffles, and vibrant pastel colors. Only small or rather young girls still present a truly feminine appearance. With that as background, let us look at life today. 

There does seem to be an increase in crimes in today's Western societies, involving young males in particular. Attempts to control this increase by incarceration do not seem to be working. When the individual involved is released after serving time, more often than not they have become a hardened criminal, and in many instances they end up back in jail. Clearly the goal is not being met. Society is clamoring for improved rehabilitation, but it does not seem to be achievable. Perhaps the problem is  that we are trying to correct an already established problem, rather than attempting to prevent it from occurring in the first place.

Is there some way that this problem can be eliminated before it actually develops? Is history trying to tell us something?  Is there a way we can help young males, in particular, to assume a more appropriate life style, a life style more conducive to being better citizens? Something to better prepare them for assuming a more productive position in society? 

The thought comes to mind that perhaps Petticoat Discipline may be the answer. The very fact that this technique tends to have a psychological effect, which has been demonstrated time after time, and amply verified by many unsolicited testimonials, suggests that we may have a tool to accomplish the desired result.

Now, the question is how might this be implemented? This will most certainly require a different set of expectations on the part of today's society, and a change in what we find acceptable. There probably are many possibilities, and we will suggest a few a bit later. But first let us discuss the actual implementation. And, with this thought in mind, remember that anticipation is often more effective than the actual experience. We frequently find that the expectation of a trip, for example, is more emotionally simulating than the event itself. To a degree, petticoating may be similar.

In some instances the individual so treated may be dressed in appropriate clothing and made to wear it for some indefinite time. On the other hand, it may be something that the male is made to experience every so often, as a special punishment.  Which is the best approach? There are pros and cons for each. Certainly current circumstances will, to a certain extent, dictate which is most appropriate. Also one must consider the individual's personality when deciding what is best.

The first approach may produce the maximum shock to one's ego, and on the other hand it could result in a reinforcement of one's anger. The second approach may take longer, but possibly utilize the 'anticipation effect' to a greater advantage. And finally, perhaps a combination of both may best fit the situation. The latter could be the answer we seek. At any rate (all of which is easier said then done), it is worthy of further exploration.

Traditionally, males were expected to be the protectors and breadwinners for the family. This is no longer necessary in most societies today. More and more females are taking over essential careers such as medicine and legal enforcement, just to mention two. In some countries more females are registered in colleges involving these curriculums than males. Life styles as we know them today will change. Males will probably be relegated to different responsibilities. Nature has many examples. Males who don't adapt may find themselves in a precarious position. The aforementioned increase in domestic violence may be a result of this changing pattern of  work and status. Strength and brawn nevertheless must give away to a more sophisticated involvement.

This suggests that some remedial or preventive action is appropriate for those who have already committed these violent actions against society; that perhaps the courts should consider petticoating to correct the attitudes which led to these offenses being  perpetrated.  Another approach, which would be more oriented toward preventive action, would be the introduction of petticoating as an integral part of the males' educational experience. The following is one example: 

The boys involved knew for some time that this was going to happen, as it has become an established procedure, implemented every year. Even so, many of the boys did not like what was about to happen, and you can be sure they spent much of their free time discussing this amongst themselves. As each day goes by, it becomes paramount in their minds, and of course affects their psyche, and more than one can imagine.

Others may believe that it might be fun. At any rate as the date approached the young boys, in the company of their mothers, would embark upon shopping trips to acquire the necessary clothing. Much apprehension would probably be apparent.

Let us step forward for a moment into the future: On the dreaded day of graduation the boys would awake to the task of preparing themselves for an experience that would have a most decided effect on their psychological make-up for the rest of their lives. You can be sure that when the class did assemble for the graduation ceremony, that a most subdued group of young men were in attendance.

The parents were advised that this mode of dress would be expected for all attending the ninth grade, and that periodic excursions throughout the summer similar to the graduation luncheon would be appropriate and beneficial. In other words, it would appear that ninth grade was composed entirely of young girls. The periodic excursions would help the young boys to learn to accept their fate for the next year of schooling.

You can further be assured that these young men would think about their up-coming fate on almost a daily basis. Some mothers even thought it appropriate to have their young charges wear girls' nighties to bed, so that their first thought upon waking each day would be their new status in life. The girls would be charged with helping the boys succeed in their new mode of living by offering beneficial hints and advice. They would attempt to make it a pleasant experience. The intent for the girls at school would not be to be derogatory, but to be helpful.

The boys were also advised that if they didn't maintain a grade point average higher than the bottom ten or twenty five percent of the class, that they would have to attend their tenth grade in the same manner as they attended the ninth grade. This could well raise the standards of education. It would be most interesting to see how many young men would elect to continue a life style as young ladies after the first year, or even after completing their secondary education.

Another possible scenario would be when one accepts certain employment, that the first year be spent in a petticoated state, and under the direction of a female. This, like the school experience, would have the same effect on their future psychic makeup.
 

Well for one thing, these young men will certainly be very aware of what girls are exposed to in their daily activities, probably resulting in a much more respectful behavior, as in a certain sense they will have experienced the same situations that girls do every day. It would, I think, result in a much more cordial and natural relationship between boys and girls.

Furthermore, the males will probably see life's opportunities in a different light. They will most likely be more inclined to accept traditionally feminine employment that previously would have been shunned. Careers like nursing and social services being examples.
Note that useful employment would be a positive step in a reduction in crime, and other social injustices.

It is suggested that regardless of whether or not they return to a masculine life style, that they would become more productive members of society. 

Whether or not this procedure could be implemented in the foreseeable future remains to be seen. However, the way the world is progressing, it's entirely possible that five to ten years of enlightened understanding may just bring this about. Whatever happens,  we should accept the most salient point: that petticoating is a viable training and discipline life style that should be considered and encouraged.

These are, of course, just a few possible scenarios of many. There are many more to be had, and we are only limited to the extent of our imagination as to which could most help the world to be a better place to live.

And that is what Petticoating is all about.
Julia

Julia has presented some interesting reflections in this essay. I would like to add, though, that 'raising the standards of education' has much, much more to do with the nature of what is taught, and with how it is taught, than with how hard the students study. With school syllabuses as they are today, the best educated students may be those who do no study at all, and who consequently have not been philosophically  perverted and brainwashed by their teachers.