Gender Representation of Superheroes

It's no secret that there are more male superhero characters than female superheroes depicted in cinema, comic books, and television shows. The reason there are more male superheroes is likely the result of established gender norms and stereotypes. At a young age, males are taught to exude masculinity through toughness and strength. Young males are also often taught that they must play the role of the protector and fighter throughout their entire lifetimes. Should they sway from these roles, males will be seen as "weak" and deemed "useless" by society's standards.
Male superheroes are the epitome of what it means to be a man. From comic books to movies, all male superheroes are depicted as strong, dependable, and visually appealing. They have everything from the washboard abs, to the over-sized muscles, thick jawline, and even have the most badass costumes. While some female superheroes also display strength, there aren't enough of them showcased. This brings me to conclude once again that masculinity is a social construct.