Masculinity is it dying or evolving?
Masculinity is an ever-evolving concept that has seen drastic changes over the last few decades. Throughout history, the definition of masculinity has been closely tied in with socially prescribed roles and expectations that have long been viewed as the "manly" way of life. Today, questions are being raised as to whether masculinity is dying or merely changing form in response to changing societal norms and expectations. In this essay, I will discuss how masculinity has evolved over time, the forces driving this evolution, and how gender roles may continue to shift in the future.
Masculinity is a historically constructed ideal for what it means to be a man, and this ideal includes the desire to achieve success. This concept of success varies between cultures and changes over time, but in many Western cultures success is commonly associated with financial success, material possessions and power (Pressman, 2005). Therefore, while success is a multi-faceted construct of personal, familial, financial and worldly accomplishments, a focus on the achievement of power, money and material possession is a core requirement for many men to prove that they have met the societal expectation of masculinity (Yancey, 2010).
It is often socially accepted that men should strive for a certain definition of "success." Traditionally, this has included elements such as wealth, power, and physical strength, with emotions and relationships playing a much lesser role in what is typically labeled as "masculine success." As highlighted by Sanjukta Chaudhuri and Jon Zonderman, masculinity has traditionally been "associated with strength and dominance, with the pursuit of wealth and power, and with the repudiation of all things feminine" (33). However, in recent years there has been a move towards more progressive understandings of success, with an emphasis on emotional depth, building meaningful relationships, and creating social impact becoming increasingly accepted as indicators of masculine success.
Masculinity is an ever-evolving concept, while certain norms have remained constant, it has drastically changed in modern times. According to sociologist Raewyn Connell, "among the most important changes in contemporary masculinity is the greater emphasis on non-heterosexual identities and practices” (Connell, R. W. 151). This shift away from a focus on heterosexual practices has meant a greater diversity among what is considered socially acceptable expressions of masculinity. Furthermore, research suggests that masculinity is no longer seen as an oppressive force, but rather as a set of resources that individuals can draw upon in order to succeed and make positive contributions to society (Cooper and Kimmel, 9). As a result, this new definition of masculinity can provide men with a greater sense of freedom, allowing them to explore more of themselves and to live up to their fullest potential.
Connell, Raewyn W. Masculinities. Cambridge, UK: Polity, 2005. Print.
Cooper, Martha and Michael Kimmel. “Masculinities and Gender Relations.” HandbookofStudies on Men and Masculinities, edited by Michael Kimmel et al, Sage Publications, 2005, pp. 8-25.
Masculinity is still alive and well in the current day. According to recent national statistics, men are still the primary breadwinners in 77% of households, outearning women when comparing median weekly earnings for men and women (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Men also continue to hold the majority of leadership positions in government and business. With women making up only 5.2% of CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, men are still in the majority in most industries and organizations (Catalyst). Although gender roles have shifted significantly over the past few decades, these statistics demonstrate that men have a greater presence in the workforce than women.
Masculinity is a highly contested and often evolving concept. There is no single, straightforward answer to the question of whether masculinity is dying or evolving, as it will depend to a great extent on individual and cultural perspectives. Some people see masculinity as an outdated, oppressive force while others believe that it is changing and growing to become more inclusive. Either way, it's an important concept to consider, as it continues to influence societal norms and expectations.
Pressman, Lillian. “What is Masculinity? A Brief History of an Ideological Construct.” The Conversation, 20 Nov. 2015, theconversation.com/what-is-masculinity-a-brief-history-of-an-ideological-construct-48258.
Sanjukta Chaudhuri and Jon Zonderman, "Masculinity," in Editors, Sociology: A Concise Canadian Introduction, 2nd ed., Pearson, 2016, pp.32-33.
Yancey, Martin. “What It Means to Be a Man in the 21st Century.” The Good Men Project, 14 Jan. 2010, goodmenproject.com/featured-content/what-it-means-to-be-a-man-in-the-21st-century-mgy10/.
