Double Standard of Masculinity in Gender Role Socialization
Double Standard of Masculinity in Gender Role Socialization Masculinity is a topic that has been debated in our society extensively, through research as well as in informal settings. Many wonder what it means to be masculine, and if we can really assign a definition to such a subjective term. After all, shouldn't one's own perception be the determinant of what constitutes masculinity? This self-construction would be the ideal in our society, but unfortunately, it represents a false belief. Masculinity has certain characteristics assigned to it by our culture. In this paper I will explore the many facets of masculinity and demonstrate how certain beliefs pertaining to it are perpetuated in our society. I will also uncover many of the contradictions between society's assigned definition of masculinity and the expectation that males will somehow learn how to act contrary to that assigned and learned meaning.Men are primarily and secondarily socialized into believing certain characteristics are definitive in determining their manliness and masculinity. These characteristics range from not crying when they get hurt to being and playing violently. The socialization of masculinity in our society begins
In that society males competed hard to procreate, and females worked to raise and support the young. From the beginning of male life to the very end, society has determined that men must be strong, tough, aloof, and powerful to be considered masculine and not weak or effeminate. These roles demanded aggression in males, and promoted rules such as hierarchy, competition and dominance. William Betcher reports that some societies take this concept to an extreme. To show emotion would be a sign of weakness and society would view them as abnormal or inferior (Pollack 1995). These toned and muscled men are seen and depicted by society as the ideal. On the other hand, if a male decides to expose his emotions, he is labeled as a "sissy" and not viewed as equal to other males who demonstrate more valor and bravery. This research helps explain that it is not just the reinforcement of close caretakers to the child that legitimate masculinity but society as a whole (using the television as a symbol of society and it's desires). (1995) "Advertising and the Construction of Violent White Masculinity" In Dines, Gail and Humez, Jean. Secondary socialization then acts in the later stages of a boy's life to reaffirm society's beliefs about masculinity. " It seems that there is a pervasive fear among all males that the worst possible insult is to be labeled a female. They must also demonstrate competence intellectually, spiritually and emotionally.
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