What Is Masculinity? The Idea of the Male Identity in Modern Society
![Illustration depicting a man looking at his reflection in a mirror, where his reflection shows a stressed expression while he appears confident and strong in reality. The Calmerry logo is visible in the top left corner.](/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/What-Is-Masculinity_-1-1024x410.jpg)
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If you ask 15 people for their definition of masculinity, you’ll likely get 15 different answers. This concept has a long history and has evolved through the generations.
So, what is masculinity in today’s world?
While personal to each man, masculinity has ramifications for the rest of the globe. Some feel pressured to fit within society’s expectations, leading to insecurity and mental health issues.
Here’s what you need to know about masculinity and its positive and negative impact.
What is masculinity?
Masculinity encompasses the characteristics you typically associate with men. When you think of masculinity, you likely picture strong muscles, big beards, and competitiveness. While there’s more to it, these traits are some stereotypical ones you’ll see.
Because it’s a social construct, masculinity is challenging to define with strict parameters. Over time, civilizations worldwide have changed their hallmarks to fit with their cultures. You can still see some of these values today.
How has masculinity evolved?
The concept of masculinity has existed as long as recorded history. Take a time machine back to Ancient Babylon, when King Hammurabi wrote the Code of Hammurabi. This document is one of the oldest legal codes in human history and includes societal expectations for men and women.
Control is a recurring theme in the code, giving men more power in marriage and legal rights. For example, rule 128 says if a man marries a woman but doesn’t “conclude her contracts” — or have intercourse — she isn’t a wife to him.
Traditions of masculinity continued in ancient civilizations, perpetuating standards for men at the expense of women in society. For example, masculinity reigned superior in Ancient Greece, praising men for their strength, military service, discipline and control.
Masculinity in the modern era
Fast forward to the 21st century, and you’ll see different tones in masculine expectations. However, some beliefs have remained constant.
For instance, a 2023 YouGov survey finds 48% of men are uncomfortable crying in front of their male friends. Conversely, only 44% of men say they’re comfortable doing it. The same survey finds 45% of men are uncomfortable telling a male relative they love them.
However, there are signs that men have evolved in their masculinity. The YouGov survey finds 64% of men are comfortable wearing pink and 53% are OK with sharing a bed with a male friend.
Each passing generation has changed the tune of what it means to be masculine. Men in media fit traditional roles and traits, but modern depictions have characters unafraid to show qualities society thinks are less manly.
Consider LGBTQ+ representation on TV — it was rare in the 20th century but has grown in the modern day. 2022 saw 11.9% of characters be part of the LGBTQ+ community — a record for TV production.
![Infographic titled 'Modern expectations straining men's mental health' with Calmerry branding. It highlights three key areas: 'Breadwinner role' with points on the expectation to be the sole provider, pressure to earn money for essentials, and risk of separation if unemployed; 'Career success' with points on the expectation to climb the professional ladder, desire for control, lucrative salaries, and competition for promotions; and 'Body image' with points on comparison to fit and muscular men on social media, envy and insecurity about physical appearance, and potential for body dysmorphia and low body confidence.](/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/What-Is-Masculinity_.jpg)
What are the modern expectations for men?
While standards have changed, men still feel pressure to meet expectations. These presumptions may come from family, friends, social media and schoolmates.
Here are some notions men go through that can strain their mental health.
Breadwinner
Research shows 85% of men in 1972 were the breadwinner, providing most or all of the family’s earnings. The proportion of male breadwinners has dropped to 55% in 2022, demonstrating a change in this traditional masculine role. However, the social expectation to be the sole provider remains for most men.
This idea dates back to early humans when men would hunt food for their families. This instinct has transcended generations, pressuring men to earn money for shelter, food and other necessities.
However, it can have negative consequences for men. For instance, a 2021 study found male breadwinner norms increase the association between unemployment and separation by 32%.
Career success
Breadwinner expectations also lead to men expecting career success. Climbing the professional ladder is essential, whether you’re a doctor, lawyer, business owner or sales associate.
Working up to the top offers more control, lucrative salaries, and personal satisfaction. This expectation also has roots in competition, with men wanting to beat others for promotions and management positions.
Body image
The rise of social media and digital platforms has made photographs and videos more accessible. Video-sharing websites can be positive by teaching you things you previously didn’t know, but they can negatively affect men’s perception of themselves.
Suppose you see a video of trainers working out in the gym. These exercise experts dedicate their lives to practicing and lifting weights, making some viewers envious of their strength. While this insecurity can be motivating, it can also lead to body dysmorphia.
This occurrence isn’t exclusive to the gym. You may see buff men in the media and envy their fit bodies. These guys could simply walk down the street and enter your field of vision.
You’re not alone if you’re insecure about your body and jealous of others. A 2021 study uncovered that 23% of men rarely or never feel confident about their bodies, demonstrating male insecurities in the modern day.
Are there toxic masculinity characteristics?
While masculinity can be positive, the world has seen toxic traits emerge since the beginning of humankind. Here are three examples of negative characteristics associated with masculinity.
Bottling up emotions
Men not wanting to cry in front of their male peers is one example of men’s perception of emotions. Guys feel pressure to have a bold exterior and never show their sadness. If you do, you may fear others see you as weak.
As a result, men tend to bottle up their emotions. Not expressing your feelings now can lead to uncontrolled outbursts later, affecting those around you. You may also suffer from low self-esteem and reduced confidence because you feel like nobody understands you.
Aggressiveness
Men’s physical strength and competitive mindsets can make them go overboard with their muscles and emotions. Some guys turn to violence instead of peaceful tactics when threatened, displaying a loss of control. The aggressive trait may derive from the need to feel superior to those around them.
Why is there an association between masculinity and aggressiveness? A 2021 study discovered men have more physical aggression due to learning and neuroplasticity. The researchers say this cause can also be an interventional tool for correcting toxic behaviors.
Traditional mindsets
The proportion of male breadwinners has decreased, but some men maintain that they should be the highest earners in the family. Why does this mindset remain? Blame gender roles and stereotypes for this phenomenon.
Men who make less than their female counterparts may feel insecure because of the power dynamics. For instance, a husband making $80,000 a year could perceive their wife as having the upper hand if she makes $100,000 annually. This disparity shows one of the consequences of toxic masculinity.
How can professionals foster positive masculinity?
Some men remain in their ways, but professionals can implement strategies to foster positive masculinity. Here are three ways to help men avoid toxicity and happily embrace manhood.
Coaching
Positive male leadership goes a long way for men who are still learning about the world. Professional coaches can be excellent role models if they embody and teach positive masculinity. These leaders can educate men on challenging negative stereotypes and being better human beings.
Those who don’t have effective leadership in their lives may go down toxic paths, so coaching is essential to give guys a healthier direction. Research shows the effectiveness of this leadership, whether in academics or personal life.
For instance, experts say success coaching increases retention rates by 20% for males in minority groups.
Therapy
Showing emotion and being direct with your feelings are common themes you see in therapy, explaining why men are less likely to go. For example, they may say therapy is for weak people or they can handle their problems alone.
Leadership should encourage therapy as a venue for healthy emotional expression. Regular sessions can help you find the help you need.
Support groups
Going through problems alone is possible, but tackling them with others in similar situations may be more manageable. Support groups can be a healthy facilitator of masculinity by expressing thoughts and showing empathy toward one another.
Encouragement is a common theme in these sessions, which may be what men need to feel stronger emotionally.
Finding a happy medium for masculinity
A sense of masculinity is typical for boys and men, but the definition may vary based on the person. The concept has dominated societies since Ancient Babylon and still exists today, although in a lesser way.
While it can be toxic, masculinity can shine positively through role models and defying social norms. Feeling boxed in based on sex can make people uncomfortable in their skin, but healthy masculinity leads to a better understanding of your male peers and everyone around you.
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