Masculinity is a fundamental social construction that influences the way people, especially men, perceive themselves and act. It entails different characteristics, behaviours and social expectations that society has always associated with manhood. The psychology of masculinity is a complex concept, which embraces various cultural, social, and psychological elements and is hardly related to each other. This essay delves into the multifarious nature of masculinity, covering the historical development of it and the psychological consequences it has on people and society as a whole.
Let us give you a little example for eg: ”A man never cries”, ”You are so Spineless, you are not a real man”. All of us have heard sayings like this; have we ever tried to oppose them and refuse to conform?
Causes of Masculine Behaviour
Several major factors that contribute to masculine behaviours include:
1) Hormones:
The testosterone male hormone most common in men affects the way men behave. This is linked to more muscle mass, aggressive behaviour and competition.
2) Parenting:
In fact, the kind of upbringing boys get and the behaviour of parents and others can play a critical role in how boys understand and present their masculinity.
3) Peer Relationships:
How men behave is largely determined by interactions with peers, especially during childhood and adolescence. In order to be accepted and validated in their peer group, boys often act in conformity to the norms prescribed for men.
4) Society Norms:
Male behaviour is heavily shaped by the expectations and conventions of society concerning how men should behave. These are notions of fortitude, stoicism and dominance.
5) Self Worth:
This is the need for social approval. In a society where such acts are celebrated with pride, men may adopt masculine behaviour to fit in or earn acceptance.
6) Historical Traditions and Rituals:
Men’s behaviour is often influenced by cultural traditions and rituals that have been in existence for a long time. Such customs may very well be the foundation of how a culture defines ‘masculinity’.
7) Respond to Threat:
This may happen since individuals adopt masculine behaviour strategies as a way to assert authority and control when there are obstacles or perceived dangers.
8) Bread Earner Tag:
Traditional masculine ideals often focus on men’s roles as providers and guardians. Such actions may include responsible, aspirational and aggressive acts.
Negative Effects of Masculinity Behaviour
1) Anxiety and Depression:
This could lead to anxiety and depression among males because toxic masculinity forces them to suppress their feelings and avoid seeking treatment when they need it.
2) Increased Loneliness:
Such men may feel the pressure to suppress their emotions and forgo developing meaningful relationships.
3) Increased unsafe Habits:
The toxic or rigid type of masculinity may force men to act toughly, for instance, abuse alcohol or drugs, take risks.
4) Relationship Issues:
Toxic masculinity may lead to controlling and entitlement behaviour, which could put strains in relationships. Traditional masculinity sometimes results in relationship issues among males because of the expectation that they have to maintain certain gender roles.
5) Media Influences:
The roles of men are influenced by the media, for instance, by television, movies, and advertisements. Men are often depicted as idealised stereotypes in the media, which may not be representative of the range of experiences that men have in reality.
6) Media and Masculinity
Media and Masculinity are a complex issue in many various aspects. Media may reflect and affect cultural values and beliefs related to gender and have a great impact on what society considers and expects from men.
7) Portrayal of Masculine Ideals:
Media tends to convey the imagery of idealised masculinity, which involves the traits of physical strength and power, emotional impassiveness, and supremacy. They could lead to how people see and internalise these idealised figures.ViewById:
8) Archetypes and Stereotypes
Some of these archetypes and tropes include the “strong, silent type,” the action hero, or the provider – all of which can be perpetuated through media and uphold traditional masculinity. These portrayals in this have the potential to influence expectations regarding male behavior in society.
9) Emotional Aspect:
The media can stop the open display of sensitiveness or hard feelings. For example, such an understanding can be supported by the idea that masculinity is related with man control and stoicism. This may hinder men’s ability to connect with their emotions and foster deep connections.
10) Aggressive:
The media often portrays men as aggressive, violent problem-solvers. This portrayal may influence the perception and management of conflicts in real situations.
11) Aspirations and role models:
There are many role models in the media that one can look up to and try to imitate. This can have some impacts on behavior’s or self-identity, and even job goals.
Healthy Expression of Masculine Identities
1. Encouraging Emotional Intelligence:
Train boys and young men to recognize their emotions and express them appropriately. Let them have opportunities to express their feelings and recognize their emotions.
2. Challenging Stereotypes:
Promotion of various masculinities and debunking of outdated myths. Embrace a multitude of pastimes, passions and self-presentation.
3. Encouragement of Communication Skills:
Teach empathy and active listening to foster healthy friendships. On relationships, promote direct and honest communication.
4. Fostering Positive Relationships:
Tell men about consent, limits and proper conduct. Teach and demonstrate positive conflict resolution.
5. Fostering compassion and empathy:
Be kind, considerate of others and respect their boundaries.
6. Recognizing Vulnerability
Encourage men and boys to embrace vulnerability and actively seek help. Create a culture of seeking help.
7. Promoting Self-Care
Encourage healthy self-care techniques for maintaining physical, mental and emotional health. Normalise self-care Helps in developing and offering personal development practices.
8. Taking Down Toxic Masculinity
Change the Behaviour and Attitudes towards the Negative Traits of Traditional Masculinity. Instead, educate for a healthy masculinity.
9. Promotion of self-reflection and discovery:
Provide opportunities for self-reflection and self-discovery. Help people to find out and understand what is really important to them, what they like and who they are.
10. Seek Help:
Seek therapy for mental health problems like others and let them know that you are with them in their tough times.
It is important to realise that there are various levels of masculinity, and thus, the experience and expression of masculinity differs. Additionally, today’s debates on masculinity focus on the need for people to escape from limiting gender stereotypes, and to let individuals have their own identity regardless of their gender. This includes being open to a greater array of emotions, interests and expressions.
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