The definition of masculinity is possessing qualities or appearance traditionally associated with men. But, what does it mean to be a man? And what are the issues around masculinity? Too often the lines between sex and gender are blurred. In viewing both as two separate ideas, you are then able to understand that sex is a matter of biological truth and gender is a socially constructed means of identification. This means all characteristics associated with gender are tactful and purposeful, but also (and often overlooked) fluid and interchangeable. Once you are able to distinguish the two, you begin to understand the problem with masculinity as a concept. The term pathological masculinity best describes a conduct by which is established by bullies or ‘typical macho males’, who seek to establish their male credibility by preying on those weaker to them.
A harmful social code of masculinity that insists that boys are captive to a ‘guy culture’. From birth, men are discouraged from displaying emotion, which is too often seen (and mistaken) as a feminine trait- boys don’t cry, right? Without a culturally approved outlet for their feelings, this stifling of emotion has led generations of men to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol abuse. One of the four core features of suicide amongst men was ‘unhelpful conceptions of masculinity’ one study shows. Men’s mental health issues are widely understated and still seen as taboo. It is of my opinion that the concept of masculinity is fundamentally destructive and backward-thinking. It has no place in society in 2016.
Boys can be effeminate. 60 JIGGY