The term masculinity is used to describe behaviors, attributes, and roles that are associated with men and boys in the society. The concept of masculinity has been in existence since the evolution of man, and the society has always segregated the different roles and responsibilities for male and female (Masculinity and Men’s History par 3). Masculine traits often include and not limited to independence, assertiveness, and courage. However, they vary depending on location and influenced by cultural and social factors. The media in American has constructed and perpetuated the view of masculinity through dominance and perpetuation. The society today has very different views on the exact roles of men and women because the traditional norms that defined masculinity no longer apply in some cultures especially the western cultures (The Effect of Traditional Masculinity on Gender Equality, par 3). The strong cultures in Africa, Asia, Latin America, parts of Asia and Middle East still hold on to the traditional roles of men and women especially.
Studies by R.W. Conell in 1995, has established that the chronological origins of approach towards femininity date back into the 16th century Europe together with the changing societal and spiritual climates to trace individualism progress (It is A Man’s World par 4). Conell also established that industrialization, humanity explorations, and civil wars were actions that became associated with men, and it formed the basis of modern masculinity (It is A Man’s World par 4). Many gender issues studies were published, and it apparent that historically, men were presented as the envoy of nations, class, or civilization but not a representative of a societal role. Studies also show that the majority of the masculinity forms are not shaped by masculinity-femininity binary opposition but mainly due to the shared constitution of segregation between the two clusters of men regardless if the difference arises from race, economically based inequalities communally or even class
The False Assumptions Held About Masculinity
One of the assumptions that have risen to be accepted in the community linked to masculinity is the exclusion of being sissy and the denunciation of the feminine are today's mechanism of strong masculinity (Masculinity and Men’s History par 6). For instance, men are not expected to feel weak, cry, or show weakness when faced with a difficult situation and even at a very young age they are prohibited from crying or showing signs of weakness. Men are expected to have no emotions and to stay strong regardless the situation he is.
The other assumption is that men are supposed to be the “Big Wheel,” that is, they are expected to be successful and have status in the society and be people who can depend on. For instance, the community appreciates men who have realized success in business or career. The status of a man in the society is also important in the society today, and a man’s influence is determined by status and not wisdom in many cases (It is A Man’s World par 3). For instance, a man who is likely to have realized success in business will be given certain privileges in the society for instance leadership opportunities.
The other assumption in masculinity the concept of “Give ‘Em Hell”, that implies that men should have the sensation of violence, daring, and self-aggression. Men in the society are always recognized regarding strength and how daring they’re when it comes to handling difficult situations (Masculinity and Men’s History par 5). The best instance of this phenomenon is when the boys are still young. The boy who fights most of the boys in the community or one who is known to explore his environment is used as an example to the boys who are weaker, to boost their self-esteem.
In conclusion, assumptions on masculinity should not always be applied when describing a man because different men have different beliefs and background. The society should consider that men are human, they have emotions, and they are subject to go through challenging experiences that may force them to behave as if they are weak. It should be noticed that even the strongest man in the battle could fall.
Works Cited
"It’S A Man’S World: The Effect Of Traditional Masculinity On Gender Equality." E-International Relations. N.p., 2016. Web. 27 Apr. 2016.
"Masculinity And Men´S History:: Institute Of Historical Sciences Of The Faculty Of Arts, University Pardubice." Uhv.upce.cz. N.p., 2016. Web. 27 Apr. 2016.
