3. Understanding Masculinity
Since masculinity (not maleness)
is not innately biological, it can be changed to a more positive
model. The
• What we call masculinity is
constructed, varies from culture to culture and changes
throughout history. Today the mass media is a primary force
in constructing masculinity and masculine ideals (Katz
& Jhally, 1999).
• Femininity and masculinity are not biological essences
but cultural creations (Donaldson, 1993; Gilmore, 1990; Kaufman,
1995), concepts which are socially constructed rather than
biologically determined. The social construct of masculinity
embodies currently accepted norms, values and behaviors for
males, in essence, models or scripts for masculinity.
• The socializing occurs first
in the family often unintentionally by well-meaning parents
and continues when the child goes to school.
Later socializing occurs with young adults in such diverse
peer groups such as sports, military, colleges and the workplace.
• “The dominant (hegemonic) form of masculinity
has been, and continues to be in some quarters, the primary
social construct of dominator societies
or of dominator belief systems operating within existing democracies.
In short, the problem in dominator societies is not men. It
is rather the way male identity must be defined in male-dominant
societies where, by definition, "masculinity" is
equated with domination and conquest -- be it of women, other
men, or nature.” (Eisler 1987)
• “To maintain dominator style societies, boys
must be systematically socialized for
domination and, therefore, for violence. Male violence
has to be idealized - as seen in much of our normative literature
celebrating violent "heroes;" for example, the Biblical
King David, the Homeric Ulysses, and modern "he-men"
such as Rambo. Indeed, in these societies violent behavior
patterns are systematically taught to males from early childhood
through toys like swords, guns, and violent video games, while
only girls are systematically socialized for nurturing, compassion,
and caring.” ( Eisler)
• Consequently the hegemonic
masculinity promotes philosophies, values and behaviors
that harm women, children, other men and the biosphere.
• This form of masculinity is incompatible with true
democracy and human rights.
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