Sunday, November 19, 2017

What It Means To 'Be A Man': How Male Gender Stereotypes Try To Fit Growing Boys Into A Mold, And Fail


Today’s socially constructed masculine role is different from its past, as we have seen it fluctuate overtime. Like femininity, masculinity is a constantly changing construct. But what defines someone as masculine? Masculinity is seen everywhere in one’s expression of identity, personal attire, power and privilege. This article discusses the emotional burden that men carry as a result of wearing a mask. As expressed by the author, men strive for an emotional support system. Men who do not achieve high economic power, social status, and title of breadwinner suffer damage to their ego. Because society has placed such importance on what men can and cannot do, male emasculation has created personal struggles for the male to achieve ideal definition of “manliness”. For example, having a hobby in the arts such as theatre is emasculating in societies eyes. Many are quick to judge this hobby and bully those participating as a result. From a very young age men are told how to behave and what to do. Research has proved that verbal male aggression is more frequented than girls verbal aggressive behaviors. This is no shock, since women are associated as being more emotional and expressive while men should react “hard” and “tough” and be resilient to expressing emotion. Maintaining positive social relationships and healthy emotional outlet should take priority in further shaping a more positive outlook of what “mainlines” and “masculinity” should acquire.



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