masculinity essay topics

120 Masculinity Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best masculinity topic ideas & essay examples, 👍 good essay topics on masculinity, ⭐ interesting topics to write about masculinity, ✅ simple & easy masculinity essay titles, ❓ research questions about masculinity.

• Gender Issues: Femininity and Masculinity Depiction of the Portuguese visitors to Benin by artist in the 16th century clearly emphasizes on that exclusion of women and the embrace of masculinity.
• Society’s Construction of Masculinity Every society views and constructs masculinity to suit the social and cultural values of such a society thus there is always a difference in the method which societies use to construct masculinity. We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts 808 writers online Learn More
• Masculinity and Femininity Therefore, it is becoming increasingly fashionable to adopt the term masculinity or femininity not only to reflect the modern times, but also to depict the cultural construction and manifestation of masculinity and femininity to closer […]
• Critic of Masculine and Feminine Genders This is because the apt language used is perfect and the brevity in vivid description correlates well with the notable examples cited in the article.
• Hegemonic Masculinity The hegemonic masculinity theory is particularly significant in understanding concepts such as the predisposition of men to violence, the evaluation of social network analysis in relation to hegemonic masculinity and the links between social identity […]
• The Issue of Toxic Masculinity Toxic masculinity is the sum of values and behaviors that are traditionally viewed as “masculine” in many cultures and includes several crucial characteristics that allow calling it toxic.
• The Emergence of Fascist Masculine Personality in “Pan’s Labyrinth” by Guillermo del Toro During the Spanish War, the Republicans lost to the Phalangist government, and this concept is used to highlight the creation of a new form of masculinity.
• The New Insights of Masculinity In the end, the conclusions are drawn to summarize the primary outcomes of the paper associated with the new insights of masculinity.
• The Conflict of Masculinity and Queerness in Johnson’s “The Limitless Heart” In the essay, it is revealed that the narrator is visiting the parents of his partner, Larry, due to a promise he made to him.
• Redefining Sexual Harassment and Masculinity There is no arguing that sexual harassment is a gender issue: it is a production of gender differences, usually manifesting itself in a amen are the perpetrators, women are the victims’ dynamic.
• The Hip-Hop Phenomenon of Hyper-Masculinity Sociological Research Question: What lies behind the dominant hyper-masculine paradigm in Hip Hop and Black culture and its various manifestations in lyrics and music videos?
• Masculinity: Theories and Approaches Among the ways of explaining why such a situation comes to be is the fact that masculinity is a relative attribute that needs to be defined by the activities, processes, practices, and relationships that men […]
• “Mission: Impossible II”: Hegemonic Masculinity and Male Bonding Behind the chaotic representation of actions, the filmmaker reveals a complex theme of hegemonic masculinity through the subtopics of a man’s heroism and nobility, rivalry, and male relationship with the help of different elements of […]
• Harmful Masculine Core of Early American Legislation History shows that the collective gender of the ruling class significantly influences the nature of legislation and the social structure of the countries in which they govern.
• The Meaning of Masculinity in 2020 The way to change the idea of masculinity was not easy, and many people had to go through discrimination and humiliation to change the world for the better.
• Bullying Behavior and Impact of Hegemonic Masculinity Rosen and Nofziger applied a quantitative research design to explore the relationships between students’ bullying experiences and race, age, and socioeconomic status and identify the frequency of bullying.
• Femininity and Masculinity: Understanding Gender Roles The understanding of how gender roles are portrayed in the media and the general perception of the expected behavior for men and women communicated non-verbally in the society is the basis on which children build […]
• “Feminizing The Masculine Body…” Analysis This article is written with the intention to analyze the use and the application of the feminine and masculine language and imagery in The Ballad Of The Sad Cafe.
• Misinterpretation of Masculinity and Mass Shootings For example, Phillip Reese, in the article “When Masculinity Turns Toxic: A Gender Profile of Mass Shootings”, describes the mass shootings in California, and applies gender-based statistics that reveal the men’s domination in these offenses.
• Black Masculinity in the United States in the 19th, 20th, and 21st Centuries One of the first to defend the slave trade at the beginning of the 15th century was the Portuguese, who believed that slavery was the salvation of the souls of black people that lived like […]
• Hegemonic Masculinity and Gender Variation in Suicide Rates This paper provides an overview of various aspects of psychology including the effects of sex, gender and sexuality on counseling psychology and the concept of hegemonic masculinity and its role in explaining gender variation in […]
• Toxic Masculinity and Gender Roles: New Aspects in Discussions Between Men and Women It is believed that men have to be silent and invincible warriors who exercise power due to their status of a man.
• Masculinity and Femininity: Digit Ratio As shown in Graph 1, the age characteristic of the sample was quite homogenous, with all the participants falling within the range between 20 and 21.
• “(Re) Fashioning Masculinity” by Ben Barry The title of the work makes clear features of its content, and the abstract reflects the main hypotheses, the relevance of the topic, and the overall results of the study.
• Femininity and Masculinity: Gender Stereotypes In conclusion, it is necessary to admit that femininity and masculinity are two sides of the same medal, and neither should be neglected.
• Dating and Masculinity in American University Campuses If a father and son, or a mother and her daughter were to sit down and share the campus experiences, both parties would probably draw the conclusions that they might have been talking of entirely […]
• Art in America. Hard Targets—Masculinity and Sport The transformation of the sport and the physical culture into a public spectacle, which expanded the possibilities in demonstrating masculine images, affected the image of men implementing the ideology of “muscular masculinity”.
• Masculinity as a Concept in the Reagan Era To understand what these terms mean to different people, it would be essential to look at the political scene that has been referred to the Reagan era.
• The Fight for Masculinity The narrator is seen to be uncomfortable in between the modern, feminity of Marla and the extreme masculinity of Tyler. They, therefore, end up engaging in activities that would be illegal or are of no […]
• Masculinity: True Friendships Within Men Shakespeare’s play, The Merchant of Venice, which later Michael Radford used to direct the movie, The Merchant of Venice, is a remarkable example of a true friendship. The true essence of love and friendship is […]
• Ernest Hemingway’s Masculine Dominance However, he was dedicated to his craft and to the integrity of his stories; an integral aspect of this dedication was presenting experiences as realistically as possible.
• Hemophilia: The Loss of Masculine Identity The major finding in the study is that hemophiliac men are highly affected by the disease, which can lead to the loss of masculine identity, treatment non-adherence, and depression.
• Masculinity as a Gender Oppression and Inequality Consequently, men address their aggression as a means to demonstrate their contradictions, and women believe that their aggressive behaviors can provide them with the necessary powers.
• Masculinity as a Social Norms Issue However, the advancements that occurred with the rise of the LGBT movement and the empowerment of women now challenge established ideas.
• Masculine Disciplines Role in Boys’ Life There is a strong imposition to follow a symbolic boy code described by William Pollack according to which boys have to be “stoic and independent, macho and athletic, powerful and dominant, and phobic of anything […]
• Violence Against Women Over History: Hierarchical Basis With Masculinity on the Top This was the first call for the establishment of a republic and the overthrow of the patriarchy. According to this, men, as a rule, served the society, and women were limited to the family.
• Gun Culture and Masculinity in the US This article will argue that the society’s conviction about the threat or actual usage of guns is a constructed notion of masculinity and the message relayed to the public following the use of a firearm […]
• Sexual Desire and Gender: Masculinity and Femininity Roles In a recent study conducted in the University of Texas, no student admitted that he or she engages in sex with the main purpose of reproduction, which proves that they gain the experience of sexual […]
• Man-Of-Action Heroes: The Pursuit of Heroic Masculinity The American society’s definition of a man of the hero is one who is a good father, a good husband, and successful in his career, yet this kind of expectation limits the abilities of a […]
• Masculinity and Femininity in Fairy Tales The role of a woman is to look good and attract attention, while a man needs to be privileged to be considered as a worthy partner.”Beauty and the Beast” is supposed to teach children to […]
• Sexuality and Masculinity in Adolescents This is the misunderstanding which makes many teenagers behave in the way they are not to behave, to act in the way they are not to act and to act as in the result the […]
• Masculinity Concept Analysis As a child grows, the father is the figure of courage and a symbol of protection. As a boy child grows, he is expected to be a winner in the activities he undertakes.
• Masculinity in Fight Club Fight Club is one of the narratives that effectively bring out the state of masculinity as well as the nature of masculinity in the modern western culture.
• How Are Notions of Masculinity Represented in Advertising The companies have been adopting masculinity as a marketing strategy to help in attracting more men to relate with their products and subsequently enticing them to consume the products. The advertisements emphasize the idea that […]
• The Ideals of the Code of Masculinity in Advertisements Discussing the visual with the help of the masculinity lens, it is necessary to concentrate on the details which can attract the men’s attention and become associated with masculinity in order to make the potential […]
• Kenneth MacKinnon‘s ‘Masculinity in the Movies’ The dominance of male stars in the movies and depiction of heroism from a masculine perspective has shaped perception of masculinity in the Western culture.
• Representations of Global Femininity and Masculinity in Contemporary Media The femininity of a woman in contemporary media is shown through pictures that bring out the beauty and attractiveness of the woman.
• Wolof Culture and Crisis of Masculinity in It This is in the quest to uphold family values, where men fear the humiliation and mockery of the society for their failures.
• The Masculinity Crisis in the Wolof Communities and Changes in the Women’s Status Trying to prevent the development of the crisis in the form of decreasing the male authority in the society, the male representatives of the Wolof communities continue to condemn women, ignore women’s complaints and the […]
• Independence Day: How the Ultimate War Movie Showcases Masculinity Instead of fighting human villains, the lead actors in this movie fight the aliens and eventually win the ultimate war for the survival of mankind.
• Masculinity and Its Matter for Female Leaders
• Distinct Hegemonic Masculinity Behaviors Between Heterosexual and Gay Men
• Advertising and Perception of Masculinity and Femininity
• Masculinity and Femininity: The Yin and Yang of Gender
• Double Standards, Masculinity, and Femininity
• Femininity and Masculinity During the Rise of Feminism
• African-American and African Cultural Beliefs on Masculinity
• Cultural Masculinity and Crime
• Epic Heroes and Image of Masculinity
• Defining Masculinity and Femininity Through Advertisements
• Impact Fashion for Gender, Masculinity, and Femininity
• Gender Identity and Relationships Between Masculinity and Femininity
• The Interaction of Masculinity and Control and Its Impact on the Experience of an Older Man
• How Toxic Masculinity Harms Men and Society as a Whole
• Challenging the Masculinity Index: The End of a Cross-Cultural Myth
• The Values, Self Control, and Attitudes of Masculinity
• 1950s Films and Masculinity Examples
• Automotive Advertising and Masculinity
• The Masculinity or Femininity of Cultures
• Conflict Between the Social Construction and Masculinity
• Geek Masculinity and Its Effects on Society
• American Playwrights Presentation of Masculinity
• Feminism and Masculinity as a Result of a Society Crisis
• Advertising and the Construction of Violent White Masculinity: Gender Differences in Advertising
• Americans and Mexicans Perceive Masculinity and Feminism Differently
• Masculinity and Femininity: Do Sex, Race, and Social Class Matter
• Femininity, Masculinity and Physical Activity
• Masculinity and Its Affect Society
• Attributes Traditionally Associated With Masculinity and Femininity and Their Contrasts in Medea and Pygmalion
• Representations of Masculinity: Associating Violence With Masculinity
• Economic Inequality and Masculinity–Femininity
• Fragile Masculinity: Social Inequalities in the Narrative Frame and Discursive Construction of a Mass Shooter’s Autobiography
• Femininity and Masculinity as Single Identities
• Social Structure of Gender – Masculinity, and Violence
• Gender Differences Between Masculinity and Femininity
• Hegemonic Masculinity, Gender, and Post-colonialism
• Feminism and Masculinity Defined Who People Are Today
• How the So-Called Crisis in Masculinity Paradoxically Furthers Forms of Hegemonic Masculinity
• Correlation Between Masculinity and Empathy
• The Repression of Masculinity and Its Effects on Society
• What Role Does International Relations Play in the Shaping, Defining, or Legitimating Masculinity or Masculinities?
• How Has White Patriarchy Affected Black Masculinity?
• What Are the Characteristics of Masculinity?
• How Was Masculinity Constructed in Post-revolutionary French Art?
• How Do Palahniuk and Ellis Present Modern Masculinity?
• What Are the Norms and Ideals of Masculinity in Today’s Society?
• How Are Masculinity and Femininity Represented in Car Advertisements?
• What Are the Four Types of Masculinity?
• How Have Gender Roles in Japanese Theatre Influenced and Affected Societal Views on Homosexuality and Masculinity?
• How the Words Masculinity and Femininity Are Misused Nowadays?
• Who and What Defines Masculinity?
• How Does Masculinity Affect Women ‘s Choices?
• What Are Examples of Masculinity?
• How Does Media Effects the Subconscious Ideal of Masculinity?
• What Is Masculinity in Today’s Society?
• Does Feminism and Masculinity Define Who People Are Today?
• How Boys Develop Masculinity Through Sports?
• How Does David Fincher Project Masculinity and Gender Identity in His Films?
• How Has Hegemonic Masculinity Set Ideas of Gender Roles?
• Is Masculinity a Gender Role?
• How Manhood and Masculinity Have Been Shaped by Stereotypical Representation in Advertising?
• Does Masculinity Affect Our Society?
• What Is the Main Idea of Masculinity?
• How Does Advertising Dictate Femininity and Masculinity Perceptions?
• How Female Masculinity Empowers Women in Society?
• How and Why Is Masculinity in Crisis?
• How Does Arthur Miller Explore the Theme of Masculinity?
• What Are the Qualities of Masculinity?
• Does Masculinity Matter for Female Leaders?
• What Is Positive Masculinity?
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130 Masculinity Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

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Masculinity has been a topic of much discussion and debate in recent years, as societal norms and expectations around gender roles continue to evolve. From traditional notions of masculinity to more modern interpretations, there are a wide range of essay topics that can be explored in relation to this complex and often controversial subject. Whether you are looking to delve into the historical roots of masculinity or examine its impact on contemporary society, there are plenty of ideas to choose from. Here are 130 masculinity essay topic ideas and examples to get you started:

• The history of masculinity: how has the concept of masculinity evolved over time?
• Toxic masculinity: what is it and how does it manifest in society?
• Masculinity in literature: how do authors depict masculinity in their works?
• Masculinity in film: how is masculinity portrayed in movies?
• Masculinity in sports: how do notions of masculinity play out in the world of athletics?
• The role of masculinity in politics: how does masculinity influence political leadership?
• Masculinity and violence: is there a link between masculinity and aggression?
• Masculinity and mental health: how does masculinity impact men's mental well-being?
• Masculinity and sexuality: how do ideas of masculinity intersect with sexual identity?
• Masculinity and race: how does masculinity vary across different racial and ethnic groups?
• Masculinity and class: how does social class impact ideas of masculinity?
• Masculinity and feminism: how do feminist perspectives challenge traditional notions of masculinity?
• Masculinity in the workplace: how do ideas of masculinity affect men's experiences in the professional world?
• Masculinity in the media: how is masculinity portrayed in popular culture?
• Masculinity and fatherhood: how does masculinity influence men's roles as fathers?
• Masculinity and friendship: how do men express and navigate their friendships?
• Masculinity and vulnerability: how do men navigate feelings of vulnerability in a society that values toughness?
• Masculinity and fashion: how do ideas of masculinity influence men's fashion choices?
• Masculinity and body image: how do societal expectations around masculinity impact men's body image?
• Masculinity and aging: how do ideas of masculinity change as men grow older?
• Masculinity and technology: how do men engage with technology in ways that reflect their masculinity?
• Masculinity and education: how do ideas of masculinity impact boys' experiences in school?
• Masculinity and parenting: how do ideas of masculinity influence men's approaches to parenting?
• Masculinity and religion: how do religious beliefs shape ideas of masculinity?
• Masculinity and disability: how do ideas of masculinity intersect with experiences of disability?
• Masculinity and immigration: how do ideas of masculinity vary across different cultural contexts?
• Masculinity and war: how do ideas of masculinity influence attitudes towards conflict and violence?
• Masculinity and body language: how do men communicate their masculinity through nonverbal cues?
• Masculinity and humor: how do men use humor to express their masculinity?
• Masculinity and leadership: how do ideas of masculinity shape men's approaches to leadership?
• Masculinity and emotional intelligence: how do men navigate emotions in ways that reflect their masculinity?
• Masculinity and language: how do men use language to assert their masculinity?
• Masculinity and social media: how do men construct and perform their masculinity on social media platforms?
• Masculinity and environmentalism: how do ideas of masculinity intersect with environmental activism?
• Masculinity and art: how do artists explore ideas of masculinity in their work?
• Masculinity and fashion: how do men use clothing and style to express their masculinity?
• Masculinity and entrepreneurship: how do ideas of masculinity influence men's approaches to starting and running businesses?
• Masculinity and globalization: how do ideas of masculinity vary across different cultural contexts?
• Masculinity and environmentalism:

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106 Masculinity Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on masculinity, ✍️ masculinity essay topics for college, 👍 good masculinity research topics & essay examples, 💡 simple masculinity essay ideas, ❓ questions about masculinity.

• Toxic Masculinity and Machismo in Junot Diaz’s “Drown”
• Crisis of Masculinity in Hamlet
• “Female Masculinity” by Judith Halberstam
• Masculinity and Femininity in the Work Place
• Masculine and Feminine Writing Features in “To the Ladies” by Lady Mary Chudleigh
• Racism and Masculinity in the Film “A Soldier’s Story”
• Masculinity in Shakespeare’s “Antony and Cleopatra” Play
• Masculinity and Sexuality in High School by Pascoe This paper reviews C. J. Pascoe’s book “Dude, You’re a Fag: Masculinity and Sexuality in High School” and criticizes the book’s major weaknesses.
• Masculinity in “Refresh, Refresh” Story by Percy The present paper analyzes the relationship between the central theme of masculinity in Benjamin Percy’s Refresh, Refresh, and the setting of the story.
• Willson’s “Fences”: Where Masculinity Is Born Masculinity and its finding are shown in Willson’s play “Fences” through overcoming fences, however high they may be.
• Patriarchy and Masculinity in Things Fall Apart by Achebe The theme of the novel “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe is the clash between traditional African society and the innovations brought by British missionaries.
• Femininity and Masculinity in Media and Culture It is evident that media and societal biases play a key role in establishing and promoting dehumanizing ideas of masculinity and femininity.
• Masculinity in The Great Gatsby and The Breakfast Club The paper demonstrates how the American culture depicts masculinity as reflected in media (movies) and American literature in the course readings.
• Masculinity in the Film “Saturday Night Fever” Male dominance is evident right from the beginning of the cast, and the plot. The film depicts men as smart, strong, and dominant over women.
• Masculinity in James Joyce and Ernest Hemingway’ Stories This paper looks at the theme of masculinity as portrayed by both male and female characters in four stories by Joyce and Hemingway. The short stories focus on the inner development of characters.
• Feminine and Masculine Language Incorporate workplaces, communication style is incessantly assessed for qualities such as likeability, empathy, caring, credibility, power, and status.
• Masculinity and Femininity in the Workplace The effect of psychology of the feminine and masculine gender on work, performance and productivity is a paradigm of the most controversial issues subject to debate.
• Masculinity Crisis and Hegemonic Masculinity Masculinity crisis fosters kinds of hegemonic masculinity. Men’s movements in the early 1970s indicated the evident existence of problems within masculinity.
• Gender Studies: Feminine Men and Masculine Women Women have a vital role in society: they bring up children and ensure the comfort and psychological well-being of all the family members.
• Masculinity of King Arthur in Literature The paper discusses how King Arthur is described in the Arthurian literature, reviews the attitude to the character of Arthur and the concept of Arthurian literature.
• The Masculine Role in Advertisement This paper seeks to highlight some of the significant masculine role in the advertising industry based on short stories.
• Impact of Hegemonic Masculinity on Life Chances in Australia The paper states that hegemonic masculinity is responsible for how society accepts and helps shape the culturally dominant behavior of men.
• Masculine Nature in Media The paper states that the indoctrination of masculine values begins at a young age, with hardness, stoicism, heteronormativity, and self-sufficiency.
• Toxic Masculinity and Gender Equality in the US Masculinity has historically been associated with power, leadership, and wealth. Yet, it becomes toxic when it starts to form particular social expectations from men.
• Sexuality: The Matters of Masculinity and Femininity The current work is considering the topic of sexuality through historical and cultural factors, and the matters of masculinity and femininity.
• Feminism, Oppression, Masculinity, and Homophobia Feminism, a relatively new movement in the history of social, political, and philosophical thought, has found an important place in modern social studies.
• Defining Masculinity and Femininity: The Yin and Yang of Gender
• Advertising and the Construction of Violent White Masculinity: Gender Differences in Advertising
• Hegemonic Masculinity and Its Influence on Young Male Growth
• Gender Masculinity and Its Effect on Women
• How Manhood and Masculinity Have Been Shaped by Stereotypical Representation in Advertising
• Distinct Hegemonic Masculinity Behaviors Between Heterosexual and Gay Men
• College Male Masculinity and Its Effects on Likeliness to Intervene Sexual Assault
• Girly Men: The Media’s Attack on Masculinity
• African-American and African Cultural Beliefs on Masculinity
• Masculinity and Femininity: Essential to the Identity of the Human Person
• How Boys Develop Masculinity Through Sports
• Masculinity and Internalized Homophobia in Films
• Oppression and Depression: The Effects of White Masculinity
• Challenging the Masculinity Index: The End of a Cross-Cultural Myth
• Japanese Fathers’ Masculinity and Power in Japan
• Greek Heroes and Changes in Feminism and Masculinity
• Socrates and the Ideal Athenian Masculinity
• Femininity and Masculinity During the Rise of Feminism
• Black Masculinity Through the Media
• Masculinity and Femininity: Do Sex, Race, and Social Class Matter?
• Automotive Advertising and Masculinity
• Gender Roles and Issues Regarding Feminisms and Masculinity
• Masculinity, Patriarchy, and Contemporary Women
• Homosociality and the Maintenance of Hegemonic Masculinity
• Crime, Violence, and Masculinity
• Advertising Dictates Our Perception of Masculinity and Femininity
• Ernest Hemingway’s Failed Masculinity
• Men’s Angst With Society’s Perception of Masculinity
• Gender Differences Between Masculinity and Femininity
• Chinese Connection: Reconstructing Masculinity Through Adversity
• Sovereign Masculinity: Gender Lessons From the War on Terror
• Heterosexual Masculinity and Homophobia
• Japan, Alcoholism, and Masculinity: Suffering and Sobriety in Daily Life
• Correlation Between Masculinity and Empathy
• Making Masculinity and Framing Femininity
• Police Crime Fighting Image and the Celebration of Masculinity
• Men, Masculinity, and the Rape Culture
• Geek Masculinity and Its Effects on Society
• How Female Masculinity Empowers Women in Society
• Masculinity and Evolutionary Psychology
• Black Masculinity and the Hip-Hop Culture
• Psychoanalytic Theory and the Crisis of Masculinity
• Gender Roles and Socialization of Hyper Masculinity
• Masculinity and Interaction With Women
• Changing the Meaning of Masculinity
• Modern Masculinity and Its Impact on Modern Society
• Connection Between Domestic Violence and Society’s Definition of Masculinity
• Hegemonic Femininity and Masculinity: What Makes a Perfect Man
• Psychological Correlation Between Masculinity and Empathy
• Masculinity: Gender and Violence
• What Is Meant by the Cultural Values of Individualism and Masculinity?
• Is Masculinity a Biological Distinction?
• How Does Masculinity Affect Society?
• What Are Contemporary Norms Associated With Masculinity?
• How Is the Theme of Masculinity Depicted in Literature?
• Is There a Concept of Female Masculinity?
• What Can Be Done to Support Men in Rethinking and Fighting More Harmful Masculinity Codes?
• How Does Advertising Manipulate Viewers Through Masculinity?
• Are There Unique Qualities of Masculinity?
• How to Define Toxic Masculinity?
• What Factors Get in the Way of Expressing Positive Masculinity?
• What Manifestations of Masculinity Does Society Encourage?
• What Is the Social Organization of Masculinity?
• What Activity Is Associated With Being Masculine?
• Why Is Toxic Masculinity So Deeply Rooted in Society?
• What Is Conscious Masculinity?
• How Do Children Develop a Sense of What Is Considered Masculine?
• What Are African Cultural Beliefs About Masculinity?
• Are Violence and Masculinity Related?
• What Attributes Are Traditionally Associated With Masculinity?
• What Defines Masculinity?
• How Popular Is Masculinity in Mainstream Cinema?
• How Do Standards of Masculinity Differ Across Cultures and Historical Periods?
• Do Women Have Traditionally Masculine Traits?
• What Are Theories of Masculinity?
• Does Patriarchal Masculinity Cripple Men?
• Does a Country With Low Levels of Masculinity Have a Finer Differentiation Between Gender Roles?
• How Has the Definition of Masculinity Changed Over Time?
• What Is the Concept of Dominant Masculinity?
• Why Is Masculinity the Subject of So Much Debate?

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StudyCorgi. (2022, December 30). 106 Masculinity Essay Topics. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/masculinity-essay-topics/

"106 Masculinity Essay Topics." StudyCorgi , 30 Dec. 2022, studycorgi.com/ideas/masculinity-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . (2022) '106 Masculinity Essay Topics'. 30 December.

1. StudyCorgi . "106 Masculinity Essay Topics." December 30, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/masculinity-essay-topics/.

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StudyCorgi . "106 Masculinity Essay Topics." December 30, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/masculinity-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . 2022. "106 Masculinity Essay Topics." December 30, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/masculinity-essay-topics/.

These essay examples and topics on Masculinity were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on December 27, 2023 .

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Boys to Men: Teaching and Learning About Masculinity in an Age of Change

By Caroline Crosson Gilpin and Natalie Proulx

• April 12, 2018

What do boys in America think about being boys today?

What do they imagine is expected of them? Whom do they look up to, and how are they navigating the transition from being boys to becoming men?

In a 2018 Times opinion essay “ The Boys Are Not All Right ,” the comedian and author Michael Ian Black writes:

The past 50 years have redefined what it means to be female in America. Girls today are told that they can do anything, be anyone. They’ve absorbed the message: They’re outperforming boys in school at every level. But it isn’t just about performance. To be a girl today is to be the beneficiary of decades of conversation about the complexities of womanhood, its many forms and expressions. Boys, though, have been left behind. No commensurate movement has emerged to help them navigate toward a full expression of their gender. It’s no longer enough to “be a man” — we no longer even know what that means.

In this unit, we explore some of the questions Mr. Black, and others, raise, and suggest ways to deconstruct definitions of masculinity as they manifest in our society and our lives. We end with suggestions for several projects students might take on to expand and reimagine what “being a man” might mean in their own lives and in our society at large.

Note to teachers: This is a sensitive topic, and some of the readings, discussion questions or activities may not be suitable for your students. We hope you will tailor it to fit your needs, but we also hope you’ll tell us how and why you did that, in the comments.

If you are doing a larger study of gender issues, please see the links at the bottom of this post for related lesson plans, including one on the #MeToo movement, and one, contributed by a teacher, on pronoun use in schools.

Warm Up: ‘Good’ Men vs. ‘Real’ Men

In 2015, Michael Kimmel, a leading scholar on masculinity and the director of the Center for the Study of Men and Masculinities , helped start the nation’s first master’s degree program in Masculinities Studies. The program, at Stony Brook University, explores what it means to be male in today’s world.

In “ A Master’s Degree in … Masculinity? ” Jessica Bennett explains how Mr. Kimmel begins his classes:

Michael Kimmel stood in front of a classroom in bluejeans and a blazer with a pen to a whiteboard. “What does it mean,” the 64-year-old sociology professor asked the group, most of them undergraduates, “to be a good man?” The students looked puzzled. “Let’s say it was said at your funeral, ‘He was a good man,’” Dr. Kimmel explained. “What does that mean to you?” “Caring,” a male student in the front said. “Putting other’s needs before yours,” another young man said. “Honest,” a third said. Dr. Kimmel listed each term under the heading Good Man, then turned back to the group. “Now,” he said, “tell me what it means to be a real man.” This time, the students reacted more quickly. “Take charge; be authoritative,” said James, a sophomore. “Take risks,” said Amanda, a sociology graduate student. “It means suppressing any kind of weakness,” another offered. “I think for me being a real man meant talk like a man,” said a young man who’d grown up in Turkey. “Walk like a man. Never cry.” Dr. Kimmel had been taking notes. “Now you’re in the wheelhouse,” he said, excitedly. He pointed to the Good Man list on the left side of the board, then to the Real Man list he’d added to the right. “Look at the disparity. I think American men are confused about what it means to be a man.”

Try a similar warm-up activity with your students to get them thinking about the messages they receive from society about what it means to be a man.

Ask students: What does it mean to be a “good man”? • What qualities do the men you respect and admire have? • What values and morals do they live by? • What kinds of things do they say and do?

Next, ask: What does it mean to be a “real man”? • What do people mean when they say “ be a man ” or “man up”? • What qualities are “real men” assumed to have? • How are they expected to speak and act? How are they not supposed to behave?

Then, allow them to take a few minutes to analyze what they see in the two columns and discuss:

• What do you notice? What do you wonder? • Are what it means to be a “good” man and a “real” man mostly similar or mostly different? Why do you think this is? What conclusions can you draw in comparing the lists? • How do you think these cultural messages affect boys and men? How might they affect girls and women?

Next, we recommend you take a moment to have students write anonymously about and then, perhaps, discuss this question:

• Why might this be a challenging issue to talk about in school?

Based on what students say, you and the class may set up discussion protocols for this unit.

Finally, you might end the class by having students read some of the student comments on our Picture Prompt “ Boys and Men ,” then add their own. (Note: All our student writing prompts are open for response indefinitely.)

Like Dr. Kimmel’s students, yours will most likely realize that the messages boys get from society about manhood are confusing. They may also begin to see the ways in which this confusion impacts not just the personal lives of boys and men, but also their relationships, their work and the rest of the world. The rest of this unit seeks to help them delve more deeply into the questions this warm-up may raise.

Definitions and Research: Masculinity and ‘Toxic Masculinity’

Gender and Masculinity

So, what does it mean to be a man? How much of that is determined by biology? How much is influenced by the society we live in? And how much control do we even have over the ways we behave?

First, share a few important definitions with your students:

• Sex refers to a person’s sexual anatomy, like chromosomes, hormones, and internal and external sex organs. The terms “male” and “female” are often used to talk about an individual’s sex. • Gender refers to the characteristics and behaviors that a society or culture associates with males and females. The terms “masculine” and “feminine” are usually used to describe gender. • Gender identity is an individual’s deeply held sense of being male, female or another gender. This is separate from biological sex. (Definition from Teaching Tolerance ; for more on teaching about gender identity, see their lesson here .) • Gender expression can be defined as the way we show our gender to the world. Societal expectations of gender expression are reinforced in almost every area of life. Even very young children are clear about the gendered choices that boys and girls are “supposed to” make in relation to toys, colors, clothes, games and activities. (Definition from Teaching Tolerance )

In this section of the lesson, we begin with the idea that sex — the anatomy with which one is born — does not predetermine gender identity — one’s sense of being male, female or another gender — or gender expression — the way one shows gender to the world.

Delving into the vast amount of research on the extent to which biology and culture influence behavior and even brain development is beyond the scope of this lesson. So, we have identified a few key ideas from the scientific, sociological and philosophical study of gender. You might begin by sharing this research with your students or, if you have time, allow them to read more about it in the linked articles:

• Research shows that there is little difference between male and female brains at birth.

• Despite this similarity, people of different genders do often think, act and speak differently. But, because we are socialized into gender roles beginning at a very young age, it is extremely difficult to determine how much our biology influences our gendered behavior and how much is our response to our environment. Most researchers agree, though, that culture has a significant impact on our gendered behaviors .

• While these biological and cultural forces are indeed real and powerful, we also — to a large extent — have a choice in how we present ourselves to the world. And, the more informed we are about the choices we have in expressing ourselves, the better we are able to completely and truly be our unique selves.

“Toxic Masculinity”:

One term that comes up often in discussion of gender and, especially, what it means to be a man, is “toxic masculinity.” But as Colleen Clemens writes in Teaching Tolerance, “‘Toxic masculinity’ is tricky. It’s a phrase that — misunderstood — can seem wildly insulting, even bigoted.”

The Good Men Project defines it this way:

Toxic masculinity is a narrow and repressive description of manhood, designating manhood as defined by violence, sex, status and aggression. It’s the cultural ideal of manliness, where strength is everything while emotions are a weakness; where sex and brutality are yardsticks by which men are measured, while supposedly “feminine” traits — which can range from emotional vulnerability to simply not being hypersexual — are the means by which your status as “man” can be taken away.

It is crucial, however, that students understand some key ideas:

• Talking about toxic masculinity is not about vilifying boys, men or any of the particular qualities society has deemed “masculine.” Rather, it is an opportunity to begin to reconstruct a more positive model of masculinity that makes room for the many different ways to be a boy or man and allows all individuals to feel secure in their masculine identity.

Michael Ian Black sums up this sentiment in a response to a reader comment on his Op-Ed, “ The Boys Are Not All Right ”:

Mr. Florentino : I cried as I read this. My son — a high school and college wrestler who achieved much success on the mat — is one of the most sensitive souls I know. But far too often, I cheered his masculinity, his fierceness, and his muscles. I should have been cheering his kindness, his empathy, and his innate ability to be gentle. Those emotional qualities are what REALLY make him strong. MIB: I am very interested in a fuller expression of male strength. Physical strength is great (I wish I had more of it, because I would like, for once in my life, to look good shirtless on a beach). But a man’s strength can be expressed in innumerable ways, including the strength to be vulnerable, the strength to ask for help, to seek forgiveness, to display empathy. By all means, root for your son, but root for his entire being. It sounds like you’re doing that.

• Toxic masculinity is not just a men’s issue — its consequences are pervasive and affect everyone, including girls and women. Also, girls, boys, women and men all make choices about their behavior that can either perpetuate a culture of toxic masculinity or disrupt it. (And, of course, “ toxic femininity ” is its corollary.)

To further explore this phrase, students might complete a Frayer model , including the definition, characteristics, examples and nonexamples of toxic masculinity. You can also see how it has been used in New York Times articles .

After defining the term, show students this three-minute trailer of the documentary “ The Mask You Live In ” by the Representation Project . As they watch, they might continue to add to their Frayer models. ( Note to teachers : This clip includes some profanity and graphic language. Please preview it to make sure it is appropriate for your students. )

Then, have students read Mr. Black’s Op-Ed, “ The Boys Are Not All Right ,” highlighting the characteristics and examples of toxic masculinity he gives. You might also assign students to read some of the 2,000-plus comments from readers that the article inspired. Do they agree with Mr. Black’s assertions? Why or why not? What arguments made by readers are also compelling?

Ask students if they can think of any other characteristics, examples or nonexamples of what it means to be a man according to this model of masculinity — such as those they came up with during the warm-up — and add them to the Frayer model.

Then, discuss:

• According to these texts, what makes this particular idea of masculinity “toxic”? • For whom is it toxic and why?

Then, allow students to do their own personal reflection in a silent writing activity. You might ask:

• Do you identify with this experience of masculinity in any way? • If so, how? How does it affect you or others? • If not, have you ever witnessed any of these behaviors at school or home, or in society? What are they, and how have they affected you or others? • How does learning about toxic masculinity make you feel and why?

Messages About Masculinity: Reading, Annotating, Discussing and Collecting

Below, we list several categories — families, school, politics, sports, fraternities, media, relationships and the workplace — and suggest a few articles and Op-Eds students might read to think about the messages about masculinity that pervade each. These, however, are just a starting point, and we hope you’ll use the comments section to round out our lists with other readings, from within and outside The Times.

Your students might go through the following sequence:

1. Read and annotate.

You might assign different articles or subtopics to different students or small groups. As they read, students should annotate individually by finding words, phrases or lines that seem germane to a discussion about messages of masculinity in different aspects of life and noting their reactions.

Next, invite students to do a jigsaw activity in which they meet in small groups to share their pieces and discuss what they discovered. As they go, they might consider questions like these:

• What passages, examples or lines from what you read stood out in light of our study of masculinity? Why?

• How do you think the expressions of masculinity you read about seem to affect the people in the piece? How do you think they affect our society as a whole? Why?

• What personal connections did you make to the piece you read?

3. Collect cultural messages about masculinity from their daily lives.

After students have read and discussed these pieces, assign them to collect messages about masculinity — positive or negative — that they come across in their daily lives, whether on television or in advertising, the news media, video games, movies, books, music or anywhere else.

Students might then mount a gallery of what they find, with their commentary, to prepare for the final phase of this unit in which they do projects that imagine a more expansive view of masculinity for the future.

Article List

Boys at Home

A Disadvantaged Start Hurts Boys More Than Girls

What Our Sons Are Learning From Donald Trump

Talking to Boys the Way We Talk to Girls

Google, Tell Me. Is My Son a Genius?

Growing Up Male: Schools, Bullying and the “Punishing Reach of Racism” for Black Boys in Particular

The Boys at the Back

The Boys Have Fallen Behind

Closing the Math Gap for Boys

School Bullying Is Common, Mostly by Boys, Study Finds

For Gay and Transgender Teens, Will It Get Better?

The Success of All-Male Schools

The Upshot | Extensive Data Shows Punishing Reach of Racism for Black Boys

Fathers’ Sons and Brothers’ Keepers

Room for Debate: The Assumptions Behind Obama’s Initiative “My Brother’s Keeper”

Fraternities, Sports and the Military

Colleges Condone Fraternities’ Sexist Behavior

What a Fraternity Hazing Death Revealed About the Painful Search for an Asian-American Identity

The Boys in the Clubhouse

A Wrestling Culture That Helps Keep Boys Away From Fighting

The Perils of Mixing Masculinity and Missiles

Media and Arts

Super Mario Run’s Not-So-Super Gender Politics

Does Gay Hollywood Have Room for Queer Kids?

In Country Music, Nice Guys Finish First (for Now)

Ad Campaigns Tag Along as Men Embrace Different Paths

A Poet’s Boyhood at the Burning Crossroads

In the Art World, ‘Latinx’ Marks a Gender-Free Spot

Politics and Leadership

As Strongmen Steamroll Their Opponents, U.S. Is Silent

What Donald Trump Thinks It Takes to Be a Man

Picture a Leader. Is She a Woman?

Men in the Workplace

Men and Women Say They’re More Different Than Similar

Sexual Harassment Training Doesn’t Work. But Some Things Do .

Steinem, Sandberg and Judd on How to End Sex Harassment

The #MeToo Moment: I’m a Straight Man. Now What?

Dear Men: It’s You, Too

This Is a Man Problem

Final Projects: Ways to Redefine Masculinity

From boys to men in the south bronx.

View Slide Show ›

In this unit so far, students have mostly been investigating how messages about masculinity manifest in our culture. Now is their opportunity to redefine what it means for them, and for the future generations of boys and men. In this summative activity, students look at alternative views of masculinity and create a project that demonstrates what it means to “be a man” in today’s world.

So, what can a new model of masculinity look like? How can it be more expansive and inclusive of all the different ways there are to be a boy or man?

In “ How to Raise a Feminist Son ,” Claire Cain Miller makes some suggestions, like letting boys be themselves:

Offer open-ended activities, like playing with blocks or clay, and encourage boys to try activities like dress-up or art class, even if they don’t seek them out, social scientists say. Call out stereotypes. (“It’s too bad that toy box shows all girls because I know boys also like to play with dollhouses.”) It could also improve the status of women. Researchers say the reason parents encourage daughters to play soccer or become doctors, but not sons to take ballet or become nurses, is that “feminine” equals lower status .

Have your students read this article, as well as one or more of the articles below for inspiration for a new model of masculinity. Allow them to identify, discuss and write about the aspects of a positive masculine identity that resonate with them most:

Teaching Men to Be Emotionally Honest

How to Help Kids Disrupt ‘Bro Culture’

The Power of Touch, Especially for Men

Some Boys Ask, ‘What’s a Barber Mom?’

Letters| A New Model of Masculinity

Americans Might No Longer Prefer Sons Over Daughters

Real Men Get Rejected, Too

Allowing Teenage Boys to Love Their Friends

How would each of your students define manhood now?

Finally, let them choose one of the following projects, or come up with their own, to express what they think it means to “be a man.” Then, you might hold an exhibition for students to showcase their projects and experience all the many ways there are to be a man in today’s world.

Create a slide show, video or work of art. Have students view the slides and read the captions in The Lens slide show above , of boys coming of age in the South Bronx, and then document the lives of boys close to them in photos, drawings or videos of their own. Host a gallery showing when the projects are finished, complete with an opening reception and artists’ presentations.

Write a letter. Have students write a letter to a younger boy they know, to themselves at a younger age, to a fictional character, or to an imaginary boy or young man. What would they say to help, advise, encourage, influence or warn them, based on what they know about life, and why? What stories or wisdom would they impart?

Rewrite a children’s book or other work of literature. Ask students to share their perspectives and experiences on and of the articles above, and then have them think of examples of literature that encourages boys to pursue their dreams and fight stereotypes. Next, have them rewrite a favorite children’s book or other work of literature, one they feel could represent a healthier and fuller view toward boys and men. Volunteers can reread their new version to their classmates, with a question-and-answer period after the reading to discuss the rationale of their book’s recreation.

Compose a rebuttal . Have students read from the articles and the accompanying comments. Students can select two or three Readers Pick comments that reflect a viewpoint that skews toward toxic masculinity. Ask students to compose a letter to respond to the negative comment, using information gained from articles and class discussions.

State your opinion. Ask students, as we did in this Learning Network Student Opinion question, “ Is School Designed More for Girls Than Boys? ” and have them give specific examples on how school has changed since they have been a student. If they were on a committee to redesign their school to encourage more positive masculinity, what recommendations would they make?

Write your own obit. Have students listen to this Times podcast, “ The Last Word: Inside the Times Obits Department ,” until 5:50 minutes, and glance through the Times Obituary section for inspiration. Then, have students write their own obituary. How do students want to be remembered? What legacy do they want to leave behind? What would they like to accomplish or achieve before they die?

Start an all-male book club. After reading “ Men Have Book Clubs, Too ,” have students create their own group, with a list of boys and men they would invite to participate, and a list of the books or articles they would read over the course of a year.

Reflect on your learning. Have students write about what this unit has meant to them and why. Looking back at their thinking and at the pieces they read and watched, what have they questioned, discovered and concluded? How does what they have learned connect to their own lives in and outside of school?

Write about a role model. Invite students to write about the positive role models in their own lives — men or gender-nonconforming individuals who have demonstrated to boys that they can break free of limited notions of what it is to be male, and reach their potential as full, whole human beings. This activity can be done with personal role models or public leaders. If students choose public figures, they might search The Times to find more information on them and identify the ways they have challenged traditional norms of masculinity.

Related Learning Network Resources

Lesson Plans:

The Reckoning: Teaching About the #MeToo Moment and Sexual Harassment With Resources From The New York Times

No Pride in Prejudice: Looking Beyond the Gender Labels to Experience Literature

‘A Troubling Trend’: Discussing Bullying and Antigay Attitudes

Text to Text | ‘Lord of the Flies’ and ‘A Fight Club for Flies’

Reader Idea | Creating an Inclusive Classroom by Offering Pronoun Choice

Writing Prompts:

Do Parents Have Different Hopes and Standards for Their Sons Than for Their Daughters?

How Do Male and Female Roles Differ in Your Family?

Is School Designed More for Girls Than Boys?

Why Do Boys Lag Behind Girls in Reading?

Does Separating Boys and Girls Help Students Perform Better in School?

What Does It Mean to Be ‘a Real Man’?

Do We Need to Teach Boys and Men to Be More Emotionally Honest?

Is It O.K. for Men and Boys to Comment on Women and Girls on the Street?

What Is Your Reaction to the #MeToo Movement?

Now That Women Can Serve in All Combat Roles in the U.S. Military, Should They Also Be Required to Register for the Draft?

Should Sports Be Coed?

Should the Boy Scouts Be Coed?

Do You Believe in Equal Rights for Women and Men?

Do We Need New Ways to Identify Gender and Sexuality?

Should There Be More Boy Dolls?

Can a Boy Wear a Skirt to School?

Do Boys Have Less Intense Friendships Than Girls?

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Essay Samples on Masculinity

Toxic masculinity: the horrendous truth of toxic feminism.

Feminism, “The theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes” Merriam Webster Dictionary. You may have heard the words many times before, seen the protests plastered on news websites, and possibly even participated during a protest. In the modern age, the word...

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The Escalation of Toxic Masculinity in the Student Demographic

Abstract The proposed study looks to examine the presence of toxic masculinity in the population of students that are at high risk for the perpetration of rampage school shootings. In a collaboration with Dr. Lori Wolff, Dr. Jennifer Stollman, and doctoral candidates in both the...

Toxic Masculinity: Defining Healthy Boundaries of Masculinity

What is it to be a man? The real definition varies through society but there is no real answer. Traditional masculinity has been passed down through centuries, but how do boys turn into “men”? Is it when boys are taught how to change a tire,...

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The Harmful Effects of Toxic Masculinity on Men

The fight against toxic masculinity has been around for many centuries and continues to be in our society. Toxic masculinity is defined as certain traits and behavior when men are seen turning emotional situations, and not knowing how to handle them and making them violent....

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Toxic Masculinity, Hazing and How It Affects the Mental Health of Others

Throughout the world, men on average have a difficult time seeking help and speaking up when put in serious, uncomfortable or life threatening situations. Prior to college, most males are involved with sports because it is a stereotype of the their gender. However, 74 percent...

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Research on Why Manhood Isn't a Birthright

People may view manhood as something automatically given to a male once he reaches adulthood. This stereotype should be disregarded as research shows that manhood is not a birthright. In prompt six’s article, researchers Jennifer K. Bosson and Joseph A. Vandello explore the foundation of...

The Potential Subversion and Challenging of Gender Norms in Double Indemnity and Bringing Up Baby

Explore the potential subversion and challenging of gender norms in at least two films from the module. Are these films and character types repeating old patterns or are they breaking out of traditional frameworks? Precisely, how does this work in the films in question? After...

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Masculinity: A Leading Health Risk for Young Men in Canada 

Traditional ideals of masculinity such as appearance, leadership, and emotions can have a negative impact on a young man’s health, especially here in Canada. For some men, the desire to meet the ideal of being attractive and in shape can have a negative effect on...

A Raisin in the Sun: Becoming a Man in a Patriarchal Society

A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry is a great example of some of the struggles that African-Americans faced in the 1950s. A Raisin in the Sun is ultimately having family as it center, where Mama, is trying to fight for the Younger family’s...

Being a Man is Harder than you Think: The Stereotypes around Masculinity

“Boys don’t cry cause they are strong” that line is what all of us heard since we were little kids. If that is right, being a man is easier than being a woman. But in reality, that line becomes a stigma when we are growing...

The Gender Roles Prescribed in the Ballroom: Female Masculinity

Realness is the state of things as they exist and being authentic. The term “realness, “comes from the gay world of the 1970′s and is defined as the ability to blend in as heterosexual or of the opposite sex. The possibility of self-affirmation among people...

The Discussion of Gender Standards in Lorber's, Halberstam's and Man's Work

Judith Lorber eloquently and efficiently conveys her argument that the male/female binary is false. Lorber illustrates that sex categories are formed in part by cultural beliefs about gender through the utilization of the intersex example. The intersex example shows how that in the 1800’s, an...

The Prevalence of Toxic Masculinity in Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is defined by the United States Department of Justice as a pattern of abusive behaviors within a relationship that allows one partner to gain or hold control over the other. This form of abuse impacts the lives of many Americans. Perhaps, the growing...

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Comparative Reading: Masculinity Through the Eras Based on Virginia Woolf’s Novel Mrs. Dalloway and W. H. Auden’s Poem The Unknown Citizen

Throughout the ages of literature, a concept that has always been under constant scrutiny is masculinity. Countless novels explore the emphasis stressed on the strong presence of masculinity, or the lack thereof. In Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway, a modernist novel, and W. H. Auden’s The...

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Comprasion of the Image of Vikings in History and Mythology

Intro “There is an evident gap between the Vikings of myth and the Vikings of history,” Simon Coupland. The narratives of conquest and colonialism have heavily dominated historical interpretations of Vikings. The narratives of conquest and colonialism in a Viking context include sources and stories...

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The Negative Impact of Toxic Masculinity in Children's Literature

Toxic masculinity refers to harmful societal expectations of what it means to be a "real man." These expectations often include suppressing emotions, being dominant and aggressive, and valuing physical strength over intellectual pursuits. Unfortunately, these harmful messages are often perpetuated in children's literature, with male...

• Diary of A Wimpy Kid
• Literature Review

The Concept of Machismo and Prevalance of Toxic Masculinity

In this modern society, men are stereotyped and hassled for being men. If men dress or even act different, they are most likely exposed to insulting or degrading terms. In America, most people can dress and act differently without being verbally abused. In other countries,...

Masculism And Metaphor In Freud'S Essay.

A lot of what has been written and perhaps a lot of what will be written, will be written with the use of some form of technology. Language is the most obvious example, it is with the use of this technology that we understand, interpret...

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International Imitation Hemingway Competition: Literary Analysis

Modern American and British fiction have been altered due to the contributions of Ernest Hemmingway. Through his minimalistic writing style, Hemmingway instigated a conversation about masculinity, war, and the individual perspective of time. By addressing convoluted themes such as masculinity, Hemmingway created a shift in...

• Ernest Hemingway
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 Depiction of Masculinity in On Chesil Beach and A Streetcar Named Desire

Set at such a pivotal point in time on the edge of the sexual revolution, Ian McEwan’s novel On Chesil Beach explores the presentation of masculinity and gender norms/expectations during the early 1960’s, in which it is set. Tennessee Williams’ play, A Streetcar Named Desire,...

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Boys Do Cry: Hyper Masculinity In The African American Community

From the moment African American men are born a target is placed on their back and that target programs them to behave in a certain fashion. They are told from a young age to not show emotion, affection, and to “get over it, ” because...

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Breakdown Of The Constructed Masculine Ideals

These constructed notions of masculine identities were broken soon when these men came face to face with the dehumanizing horrors of the war. The psychological torture due of the trench warfare was something that they had never witnessed before. One poem that describes the breakdown...

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Perception Of The Masculine Identity

The most interesting aspect of this promoted masculine identity is that it convinced the men to enlist for war in huge numbers but the question that remains is why? To answer this one could look at how these masculine duties were perceived by the men...

Redefining Women'S Struggle In Rebraiding Masculinity

For decades, feminist and masculinities scholarship has sought to parse the many forms of benevolent and harmful masculinity and to find ways to culturally encourage the former and diminish the latter. Masculinities research has therefore examined and re-examined the various constructions, tropes, power dynamics, features,...

Representation Of Masculinity In British Poetry Of The First World War

In looking at representation of female voices in the popular canon of First World War poetry, what needs to be established first are terms such as ‘masculine’, ‘masculinity’, and the difference between ‘hegemonic masculinity’ and the ‘masculine hegemony’. The root of these terms lies in...

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The Main Keys Of Masculinity In “Into The Wild” By John Krakauer

The book “Into The Wild” written by John Krakauer is about a young boy named Christopher Johnson McCandless who left every single thing behind including his parents. He burnt all his cash and start going to live in the wilderness. He is stubborn by nature...

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Best topics on Masculinity

1. Toxic Masculinity: The Horrendous Truth of Toxic Feminism

2. The Escalation of Toxic Masculinity in the Student Demographic

3. Toxic Masculinity: Defining Healthy Boundaries of Masculinity

4. The Harmful Effects of Toxic Masculinity on Men

5. Toxic Masculinity, Hazing and How It Affects the Mental Health of Others

6. Research on Why Manhood Isn’t a Birthright

7. The Potential Subversion and Challenging of Gender Norms in Double Indemnity and Bringing Up Baby

8. Masculinity: A Leading Health Risk for Young Men in Canada 

9. A Raisin in the Sun: Becoming a Man in a Patriarchal Society

10. Being a Man is Harder than you Think: The Stereotypes around Masculinity

11. The Gender Roles Prescribed in the Ballroom: Female Masculinity

12. The Discussion of Gender Standards in Lorber’s, Halberstam’s and Man’s Work

13. The Prevalence of Toxic Masculinity in Domestic Violence

14. Comparative Reading: Masculinity Through the Eras Based on Virginia Woolf’s Novel Mrs. Dalloway and W. H. Auden’s Poem The Unknown Citizen

15. Comprasion of the Image of Vikings in History and Mythology

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Masculinity - Essay Samples And Topic Ideas For Free

Masculinity encompasses a set of behaviors, presentations, and roles associated traditionally with being male. Essays could discuss the societal construction of masculinity, its impact on individuals and society, and how it intersects with other identity factors like race, sexuality, and social class. A vast selection of complimentary essay illustrations pertaining to Masculinity you can find at PapersOwl Website. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Femininism and Masculinity in Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House”

For a considerable amount of the literature in English language, sex and gender are shown to be equitable with certain human traits. Strength is defined as a predominantly male trait while weakness is shown as the female one. Men are depicted as stable while women are shown as impulsive and unpredictable. Logic is shown as masculine while imagination is equated with femininity. It is often possible to identify a character as female or male by simply judging the behavior of […]

Things Fall Apart Masculinity

Masculinity has a huge impact on the lives of the Ibo tribe. For instance, Ibo tribes in Africa highly support male masculinity and dominance. From a young age the individuals of the Ibo tribe are molded to understand the concept of male superiority. For anyone who digresses away from this idea, is thought of as weak by the community. In Things Fall Apart, the protagonist's life, Okonkwo, is derived from his obsession with masculinity and his fear of failure and […]

Role of Men and Women in Society

Both men and women are constrained by the binary gender system. Men and women are labeled in society. Men are made to prove themselves in society. To show just how powerful they are and that they are expected to do more than women. Society label men as independent people. That they do not need help from other people especially women. In the binary system the masculine side is valued whereas the feminism side is undervalued. The hierarchy favores men over […]

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Challenging Toxic Masculinity in Schools and Society

Kathleen Elliott is a professor at the University of Wisconsin. Using a lens influenced by a feminist cultural critique, the author situates concerns about gender, power, and inequality in current events in the American culture.The author argues that toxic masculinity supports and is supported by gendered patterns of power that perpetuate broad inequalities and that schools have an important role to play in challenging these inequalities. This relates to my project through the main issue of the article over toxic […]

Hegemonic Masculinity and how it Encourages Rape

Abstract It is in this study that the link between the lust for power and rape is examined. The primary topic is toxic masculinity – specifically hegemonic masculinity – and how it encourages rape. It is hypothesized in this study that hegemonic masculinity stems from someone’s background and is present cross culturally, as the subordination of women is oftentimes normalized therefore allowing for the normalization and acceptance of rape. Societal pressures and the threat many men feel to their masculinity […]

Masculinities in Fight Club

Throughout our history, the idea of violence, heteronormativity, homophobia, and misogyny are popular among the masculine race. In the movie, Fight Club, this is especially prevalent. The film's narrative is structured around a sacred ritual that reaffirms heterosexuality and masculinity at the expense of violence and homosexuality. Heteronormativity is a system that works to normalize behaviors and societal expectations that are tied to the presumption of heterosexuality and an adherence to a strict gender binary. A fixed idea of masculinity […]

How does Media Define Masculinity

"Feminism can be defined as a “political project that explores the diverse ways that men and women are socially empowered or disempowered” with intentions to “deconstruct sexist oppression present in our everyday norms and experiences” (Ott and Mack, p. 194). A prevalent example of this is the #MeToo movement that originated in 2006 by Tarana Burke whose purpose was to support sexual assault survivors, particularly young women of color from low socioeconomic backgrounds (Ottesen). Today, the #MeToo movement has adapted […]

Masculinity and Femininity – Collins Theory

Masculinity and femininity are social identities that are assigned to an individual. As individuals become socialized they develop a gender identity, they view themselves in relation to societal gender norms. This requires understanding what it means to be a “man” or a “woman” and whether they fit into the gender roles that society has placed upon them. Many factors play into how an individual constructs their identity and how they are perceived externally, such as class, race, and ethnicity. Collins […]

Gender Representation in Cartoons

Cartoons play an important role in the lives of children. According to Statistics, an average child spends more than 900 hours in school and nearly 1023 hours in front of a TV in a year. Over-viewing of cartoon de-sensitizes children, limits their social interaction skills and obstructs their brain development. This paper analyses how cartoons influence children in the formation of their identities. Other than issues like violent behavior, insensitivity, eye and brain related problems, it unknowingly creates gender – […]

Masculinity in Societies in Things Fall Apart

Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart and Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s Chronicle of a Death Foretold explore the theme of violent masculinity through the actions of major characters such as Okonkwo and the Vicario twins. Achebe’s Okonkwo displays his masculinity by obtaining titles and accomplishments and hiding his emotions. Marquez’s Vicario twins validate their masculinity by murdering the man responsible for dishonoring their sister. While both authors make violent masculinity a core component of their characterization of Okonkwo and the Vicario twins […]

The Effects of Hypermasculinity in Society

When someone asks you to picture your perfect idea of a man, what do you see? Is he strong, is he tough, is he aggressive? All these traits are stereotypes of hypermasculinity. Hypermasculinity is, “[t]he inflation of stereotypic masculine attitudes and behaviors involving callous attitudes toward women, and the belief that violence is manly and danger is existing” (Corprew 106). The definition then continues by saying, “[t]he inflated valuation of status, self-reliance, aggressive activities, dominance over others, and the devaluation […]

Movie Review on Tough Guise

In short, Tough Guise is an educational documentary geared towards students in college and high school to systematically examine the relationship between the use of imagery in pop culture and the social construction of masculine roles in the United States. Jackson Katz, who is known as a social critic and anti sexism activist argues, “that the ongoing epidemic of men’s violence in America is rooted in our inability as a society to move beyond outmoded ideas of manhood.”(Katz)Furthermore, Katz provides […]

Evolving Masculinity: Celebrating the Rise of the Modern Gentleman

In a world that is in a constant state of flux, societal expectations and norms have been reshaped in remarkable ways. The concept of masculinity, in particular, has undergone a profound transformation, giving rise to a new archetype: the modern gentleman. This essay explores the evolving landscape of masculinity, highlighting the emergence of these contemporary gentlemen within the broader context of shifting gender roles and societal expectations. For generations, the traditional image of masculinity was closely tied to traits such […]

Exploring Masculinity through the Lens: the Evolution of Men on Film

The portrayal of men in film has been a subject of evolving representation and complex characterization, reflecting broader societal changes and cultural shifts. From the archetypical heroes of the golden age of cinema to the more nuanced and diverse representations in contemporary film, the depiction of men on the silver screen has undergone significant transformations. This essay explores these changes, examining how the portrayal of men in films has evolved over time, the factors influencing these representations, and the impact […]

Disidentification in the Contention of Black Masculinity Vs Homosexuality

Munoz (1999) posited that disidentification is a mechanism used by marginalized groups in order to survive in a world into which they do not fit or necessarily desire to conform, and which punishes, ostracizes, derides, or even kills said “fringe members” of the dominant group. Through disidentification, those who are marginalized engage in a “performance” of sorts that allows for the development of an identity that does not necessarily require them, as a square peg, to fit into a round […]

Transforming Viewpoint of Masculinity

Alice Walker is the author of The Color Purple in which Celie, the main character of this novel, endures experiences that would be unbearable for most people. By the end of the novel, Celie was able to overcome those experiences by finding the physical and mental strength to survive. A theme is defined as a main idea or an underlying meaning of a literary work, which may be stated directly or indirectly (LiteraryDevices.net). It can also be an underlying message […]

The Society’s Obsession with Materialism in the Fight Club

Throughout Fight Club, we follow a story that is told by a narrator who battles his sense of self. By depending on different types of outlets and people around him, he starts to build his identity through them. The narrative crisis that evolves throughout this film is built on Corporate America and the amount of power it has to influence their consumers in everyday life. This is something the narrator is aware of, and takes full part in as he […]

The Hunger Games: Book Vs Movie

The Hunger Games is a movie series based around the female character Katniss. In the movie, people of the lower class districts are placed in a battle royale death match. Katniss can be viewed as a symbol of the strength and independence of a woman as opposed to the usual portrayal of a damsel in distress in media. She ends up being a part of The Hunger Games, a televised entertainment event. She deceives the viewers by having them believe […]

The Surrealist Feminist of Frida Kahlo’s “The Love Embrace of Universe”

The name “Frida Kahlo” is arguably one of the most famous in art history. Intertwined with dramatic tales of illness, infertility, and infidelity, Frida Kahlo’s self-image, beginning with her artistic works and continuing as it morphs over time, is entirely comprised of constructs. Kahlo was notorious for the meticulous crafting of her personal and national identities as a means of communicating messages. Her 1949 painting, “The Love Embrace of the Universe,” is no exception to this tradition (Figure 1). Within […]

Girls Empowering Girls: Reducing Stereotypes in Athletics

Abstract Women learn gender stereotypes at a young age which negatively affects their interest and performance in sports. This paper discusses the threat that these negative stereotypes have on women and young girls and the resulting lack of representation it brings. Gender discrimination affects all aspects of women athletics (Chalabaev et al., 2008). Whether concerning pay, treatment, or airtime for athletics, women athletes continue to face discrimination due to consistent perpetuation of negative gender stereotypes (Bas, 2019; Garner, 2018). Discrimination […]

Mini Extended Essay

Critical theorist, feminist, and Professor of Political and Social Science and professor of philosophy, Nancy Fraser, has a scheme for defining social justice that she refers to as the ""Participatory Parity."" She presents that social justice “requires a social arrangement that allows all [people] to participate as peers.” In other words, she calls for the deconstruction of power hierarchies that currently prevent marginalized peoples from realizing their human rights. She also identifies three barriers to explain the causes of this phenomenon: […]

During Decades, Females have been Victims of Sexism

"During decades, females have been victims of sexism. Although many reforms have been placed and many movements have been performed to help this situation, many countries still exercise indirect or direct sexism. Direct sexism, referred as “Sexism A” by Kate Smurthwaite in New Internationalist, is the most common type of female margination and is mostly exercised today in the countries of the Middle Eastern and African culture(2016). The ideals of this perception are based directly on demining a gender, in […]

Gender-Differentiated Leadership and National Security

Abstract There is much debate on the means of gender equality in practice and how to achieve it in international relations, especially in regards to national security. Feminist scholars are the greatest advocates on this issue and strive for its global recognition. Feminist scholars propose that national security needs to be redefined on various levels of international security affairs. While other IR scholars, usually realist and their variants, contend that feminist scholars are unclear on their desired ends; because there […]

Gender Roles in Society

Gender roles have been assigned to members of a society based on their biological sex. If a child is born with female sexual reproductive organ then they are conditioned to act feminine, while those born with male reproductive organs are conditioned to act masculine. But what does it mean act feminine or masculine? Well based on the gender roles constructed by society and culture femininity is soft, warm, and sensitive. Masculinity, on the other hand, is logical, strong and aggressive. […]

Tea and Sympathy Essay

Doherty Tea TEa TEA Vincente Minelli’s 1956 film, Tea and Sympathy is a social problem film which showed both the limitations and potential of the genre. It fits with other films of the genre in that it attacks a point of prejudice, gender role fulfillment, which is related to postwar perspectives. It also contains themes of Freudian psychology through the Oedipal relationship between Mrs. Reynolds/Laura and Tom. However, it also differs from social problem films made directly after the war […]

Stereotyping Males in the Classroom

Sexism in school began to become a topic of discussion when Title IX of the Education Amendments Act was passed in 1972, which "prohibited sex discrimination against students or employees in any federally funded program" (Davies, Evans 255). It became clear that textbooks were not only teaching children math and science; they were also being taught gendered behaviors and "how society regards certain groups of people" (Davies, Evans 256). Because "books are a powerful tool in shaping children and their […]

American Culture: the Stigma Around Male Cosmetic Usage

While time has progressed, it has been established that over the course of history different cultures developed either binary or nonbinary societal constructs. The western society that is present today has just started to develop and accept a different construct of gender and while the evolution of people’s thoughts may develop at different times, the freedom of thought and speech that a country like America stands on allows for the beginning of the breakage from the binary way of life […]

Contesting Gender Stereotyping in my Amendment

"In the opinion editorial, “My Amendment,” George Saunders brings attention to the controversial opinions regarding same sex marriage during the year of 2004, in which the ban on gay marriage was heavily disputed. He advocates as a person against same sex marriage in order to humorously mock those opposed to sex marriage’s entitled attitudes towards the matter. According to the David Stout article, “Bush Backs Ban in Constitution on Gay Marriage,” that was published in The New Yorker, in 2004, […]

Inequality in South Africa it is Important to Identify the Ways Gender and Care Intersect

"In this essay I shall show the ways in which care, and gender intersect in order to illustrate some of the causes of inequality in South Africa. I shall do this by firstly defining gender and two terms that are closely related to it. Secondly, I shall define care and show how it can be a process. Thirdly I shall elaborate on the ways in which care is done/practiced. Next, I will show how gender and care can intersect and […]

The Gates to Women’s Country

"The Gates To Women's Country" by Sheri S. Tepper was assigned to me to read. Little did I know how many relevant topics were brought up in this book that pertain to today's society. This book, much like others, includes political and social issues. "The Gates To Women's Country" is set in the future, where women live inside the country wall and men in the garrisons outside the wall's gate. Stavia, the main character, has her story told through flashbacks […]

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Interesting Essay Topics to Write about Masculinity

• Essay Topics

Interesting Topics to Write about Masculinity

• The Impact of Masculinity on Female Leaders
• Hegemonic Behaviors: A Matter of Distinction between Heterosexual and Queer Men
• Femininity & Masculinity Perceptions
• The Yin and Yang Approach of Gender
• Gender Roles and Double Standards
• The Rise of Feminism Today
• African Cultural Views on Masculinity
• Cultural Views on Masculinity and Crimes Against Women
• Heroic Masculinity
• Advertised Gender Roles
• Fashion and Gender
• Masculine and Feminine Relationships
• The Effects of Losing Sense of Control on Masculinity
• The Masculinity Index Being Challenge
• Masculinity: Attitude, Values, and Principles
• Masculinity as Portrayed in 1950s Movies
• Masculinity and Car Advertisements
• Gender Roles According to Culture
• Masculinity vs. Social Construction

Simple & Easy Masculinity Essay Titles

• The Effects of Geek Masculinity on Society
• How American Playwrights Presented Their Views on Masculinity
• Society Crisis Resulting in Masculinity and Femininity
• Toxic Masculinity in Advertisements
• Differences of Opinions Amongst Americans and Mexicans Regarding Gender Roles
• A Debate on Masculinity and Femininity: Is It Really Worth It?
• Physical Activity Differs in Masculine and Feminine
• Masculinity and Its Effects on Society
• Medea and Pygmalion View Gender Roles Differently as Opposed to Traditional Attributes
• “Violence Is Masculinity” –Toxic Masculinity
• Financial Inequality Amongst Males and Females
• Mass Shooter and Fragile Masculinity
• Traditional Gender Roles
• Gender as Described by Social Norms
• Masculine and Feminine Differences
• How Gender, Post-Colonialism, and Hegemonic Masculinity Are Interwoven
• The Persona of People According to Their Masculinity and Femininity
• Current Crisis in Hegemonic Masculinity
• Empathy and Its Interrelation With Masculinity
• The Impacts of Suppressing Masculinity on Society

Research Questions About Masculinity

• How Does International Relations Shape and Define Masculinity?
• What Are the Effects of White Patriarchy on Black Masculinity?
• What Are Some Attributes of Masculinity?
• How Was Masculinity Constructed in Post-revolutionary French Art?
• How Is Modern Masculinity Presented by Ellis and Palahniuk?
• What Are the Ideals and Values That Define Masculinity in Recent Times?
• How Do Car Ads Present Masculinity and Femininity?
• How Can the 4 Types of Masculinity Be Explained?
• How Has Japanese Theatre Affected Societal Views on Gender Roles and Homosexuality?
• What Are the Ways in Which the Words Masculinity and Femininity Are Being Misused Currently?
• What Kind of Person Can Be Defined as Masculine?
• Do Women’s Choices Alter Because Of Masculinity?
• How Can Masculinity Be Defined Via Examples?
• How Does Media Shape the Idea of Masculinity at a Subconscious Level?
• How Does Today’s Society Envision Masculinity?
• In Recent Times, Are People Defined by Their Masculinity and Femininity?
• What Are Some Ways With Which Boys Develop Masculinity Through Sports?
• What Path Does David Fincher Take to Portray Masculinity and Gender Roles in His Films?
• What Role Did Hegemonic Masculinity Play in Setting up Idea of Gender Roles?
• Should Masculinity Be Defined as a Gender Role?
• Does Stereotypical Advertising Shape Manhood and Masculinity?
• What Influence Does Masculinity Have on Our Society?
• The Main Prospect of Masculinity Can Be Described as?
• Do Advertisements Dictate the Way We Should Perceive Masculinity?
• Does Female Masculinity Play a Role in Empowering Women?
• What Is the Reason Behind Masculinity Being in a Crisis Right Now?
• What Are Arthur Miller’s Views on Masculinity?
• Masculinity Entails What Kind of Qualities?
• Do Female Leaders Think of Masculinity as an Important Aspect for Them?
• How Can Positive Masculinity Be Described

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Best American Male: An Essay About Masculinity. An Essay About Power.

Rebecca hazelton on contemporary templates for public confession.

A young boy learns a hard truth about masculinity from a withholding paternal figure while they perform together a male-coded activity.

This activity may be fishing or football or basketball or hammering a nail.

The withholding paternal figure almost always performs the task successfully, although in rare instances, his failure provides an unsettling moment of uncertainty for the young boy, putting into question all he has learned about being a man from his father and grandfather and older brother and uncle.

More often, the father succeeds. The anecdote hinges on the success or failure of the young boy’s completion of the task: his success measures how well he presents masculinity.

If the boy sinks the basket, hammers the nail without hitting his thumb, lifts the heavy object while grunting the appropriate amount, then he will receive a coveted nod from the withholding parental figure. He may even (rarely) get praise.

If the boy sinks the basket, hammers the nail without hitting his thumb, lifts the heavy object while grunting the appropriate amount, then he is a man.

It is, however, possible for him to make the basket, hammer the nail without hitting the thumb, and lift the heavy object while grunting the appropriate amount, and still be seen as lacking by the withholding parental figure.

It is the uncertainty of the result that deforms the soul.

This leitmotif—uncertainty, not around what counts as masculine, but around how much of it the boy needs—recedes and swells in the background, pulsing and thrumming whenever the fishhook slips into the meat of the young boy’s thumb.

Masculinity, the leitmotif reminds us, must be assessed and tested. It is never a given. It must be constantly proven.

No one can prove a negative.

The essay will explore the ways in which he’s learned and unlearned the lessons of masculinity.

Alternatively, the essay begins with a young boy engaging in behavior or play not typically coded as masculine. The boy is then discovered by the withholding parental figure.

The boy might be, for example:

• dancing with abandon

• dressing up in the opposite sex’s clothes unironically

• expressing emotion sincerely and deeply

• attending to his physical appearance beyond basic hygiene

• masturbating to the sight of inappropriate objects of desire such as androgynous bodies, feminine male bodies, masculine male bodies, all male bodies, zaftig women, or butch women

• being quiet

• being talkative

• engaging in painting and/or drawing

• expressing an appreciation or desire for necklaces, bracelets, earrings, jeweled hair pins, or other adornments

• listening to the wrong music

• using a deodorant or cologne that is powdery, floral, or otherwise feminine

These behaviors can occur singly or as a cluster.

The boy may perform these behaviors—until discovered—without shame.

Or, the boy may perform them secretly, having already learned from peers and family members that his pleasures and desires are wrong, bad, or deviant. They do not want him to be teased, they say.

If the former, the anecdote lays the groundwork for all the retrograde attitudes about masculinity that will manifest in the author’s grown-up life. The author will disavow these attitudes, and the behaviors that stem from them, later in the essay. (The author may blame these attitudes—or their childhood causes—for his own chauvinistic or misogynistic behavior.)

It is very important to show one’s ugliness before revealing one’s triumph.

If the latter, this anecdote will provide a foundation for various psychosexual dramas enacted again and again in later relationships.

These psychosexual dramas also—according to the essay—explain the author’s internal and/or external homophobia.

The author may display discomfort with males exhibiting physical affection, sexual or otherwise.

Conversely, the author may frequently hug his male friends and vocalize his platonic love ardently.

If the author is not strictly or predominantly heterosexual, this pivotal incident may be used to justify the author staying in the closet for several years past puberty, sometimes even decades.

Many formative moments viewed retrospectively take on a linear quality.

No matter the truth of the narrative formed later, there’s no doubt that the moment the young boy looks up from his dance, or from carefully painting his toenail (which can be hid in the shoe, a secret slice of glamor known only to him), and sees the withholding parental figure watching him— that moment— is a moment of crisis that is lodged like a shard of glass in the young boy’s heart, in his eye, turning all that he feels cold, turning all the beauty he sees ugly.

The essay will demonstrate how he’s learned to see differently, how his heart has opened just enough to thaw.

The essay then offers a humorous, self-deprecating aside in case the reader has felt a little overwhelmed with sadness for the young boy, and to reassure them that there is some hope to be had.

Before or after the self-deprecating aside, the author will describe a beating.

A personal anecdote allows the author to position his experience as comparable to that of the reader, and attempts to bridge whatever gaps of privilege and visibility there may be between the two.

Everyone was young once, and everyone remembers moments when we were told to adhere to a standard, when someone moved our bodies—gently or with force—into a new position. We’ve held that position for years.

The reader feels a kind of kinship after reading this anecdote, and only rarely thinks about how the author’s essay appeared on a fashionable literary website, went viral after well-placed social media mentions, and later got reprinted, first in a collection of the author’s own essays, and then in a popular anthology regularly selected for classroom use by writing teachers too stressed and overworked to make course packets tailored to their own students’ needs.

The essay will distract the reader from this truth: the author is white and male and began writing the essay—even if he did not begin his life—with more resources, more access, and more power than most of us will ever have, although he’ll be the first to tell you he did not have it easy. Sometimes he will tell us how and when he had to root through his car to gather quarters in order to scrape up enough money for rent.

That he was so careless with his money as to leave quarters scattered about his car speaks to a certain attitude toward money, an attitude only exhibited by people who know they can go to their parents for help if they cannot scrape up enough quarters from their car.

This kind of play-acting poverty is maddening to anyone who has experienced true poverty, but the author’s social circle is unlikely to include anyone who has experienced true poverty.

The self-deprecating aside, in which the author shows he is not afraid to make fun of himself, encourages the reader to disregard these economic, social, and racial differences.

The author may accomplish a similar outcome by rhetorically lamp-shading his privilege, proving himself to be the kind of white, male writer who acknowledges what being a white male has afforded him.

This move shows how an act of speech can be mistaken for action.

The essay’s main thrust (a word whose phallic quality the author acknowledges) is to interrogate his own heterosexual masculinity, to expose the cultural standards that acted upon him, to excoriate himself for further enforcing these cultural standards on his peers as well as on his progeny, and finally, to examine how those attitudes (for which he is not at fault, not really, as we are all surely products of our environments) have affected his relationships with women.

His relationships are almost always with women. He learned long ago that acting on any other desires had a social cost he was not willing to pay. He may have entirely forgotten the slender young man in a pub bathroom in Glasgow.

The essay may be published after a minor scandal involving a woman, or as a pre-emptive strike in anticipation of a scandal not yet public.

Even if he publishes excerpts from other people’s letters, from past lovers, this making-public will be seen as a self-flagellating move, and thus as permissible.

By sharing material which casts himself in such a bad light, the author proves himself to be brave, honest, and unflinching. These painful moments insulate the author from criticism and suspicion. Such moments can be wrapped around the author like a warm blanket, fresh from the dryer.

Some readers may look upon these authorial revelations with a critical eye, mentally posing unpleasant questions, such as, “Did ______ consent to have her emails published?” and “Did _____ wish to read a passage in which she is presented as a sun-dappled nymph stretched across the author’s bed by the open window, her pubic hair catching the window’s light?”

Some readers may note that the women’s emails read as pleading, angered, mystified, politely requesting rational and legal behavior from the author.

These moments create a feeling of cognitive dissonance in such a critical reader, because the potential privacy violation might feel justified by the author’s greater message, an important message that other men need to hear and consider.

This ambivalence is heightened to a dizzying degree if the essay brings in the author’s childhood abuse, drawing a connection between his own experiences as a child, and abuse—emotional, mental, perhaps even physical (but only a little bit)—he’s enacted on others.

The reader knows that abuse begets abuse.

The reader may even know firsthand the ways that abuse, whether brief or sustained, can alter the way one views the world, the way one responds to minor slights and transgressions, the way anger can erupt, sudden and unstoppable.

The reader has also made mistakes.

The reader is also flawed.

The reader thinks back to that little boy in the beginning of the essay, dancing with abandon, at the moment before his uncle hit him.

Does acknowledging wrong undo a wrong?

Is context absolution?

A reader with a critical eye doesn’t know how to answer these questions.

Later, they will push the essay a few inches away from them on the kitchen table, unsure of what to do with what they’ve just read.

Here is where the author moves to power, a subject that allows him to reframe his previous confessions.

The subject of all these essays is, ultimately, power.

Establishing himself as powerless in the past and in the present, acknowledging his own abuses of power, petty or serious, or acknowledging the power bestowed on him by his race and gender, by his gentleman farmer New England heritage, by his blasé assurance in his rare encounters with the police, the author can thereby speak about power with full authority.

In the way that someone infected with an illness can best attest to its bodily consequences, to the ravages it inflicts, the author knows how power has aided and abetted him, how even in the act of writing this essay he may be perpetuating the very power structures he desires to disrupt, as the attention generated by this essay might be better focused on a less-heard voice, but what can he do? He can’t stand by anymore. He can no longer be silent to the wrongs he’s witnessed and to the wrongs he’s done. He must speak to power via the power which power grants him.

Powerful, the author writes, is what we call a man when he is perfectly complicit in society’s inequities.

How does the essay end?

A casual reader will find that the essay ends as it began. We return to that primal scene, and the author rewrites it as he wishes it had gone, giving that little boy a fishing trip full of laughter and an empty bucket, or a scene in which the father takes his son’s hand and dances with him to Madonna’s “Lucky Star.” Perhaps he is the father, and comes upon his own son proudly standing in front of the mirror in his mother’s high heels and the author smiles and forces his own feet into his wife’s Manolo’s (she will scold him later for stretching her Manolos out, but she will scold him affectionately). The father stands beside his son and enjoys their mutual beauty.

The circular structure combines familiarity and surprise. It works well. It signals the end, and it signals renewal.

The reader feels hope.

The reader feels inspired to write their own essay about their own childhood struggles. They too have come to a realization of the damaging effects of trauma, of the binary gender paradigm, of compulsive heterosexuality.

It is this essay that they bring to the writer’s conference for a manuscript consultation with the author.

The ideal reader can be anywhere from sixteen to a sheltered twenty-four.

The author is as warm and charming and generous as his essays, as his voice on the radio when interviewed by Terry Gross, as a man can be when he is fully complicit with society’s inequities.

The author tells her she has talent.

The author encourages her to send out her work.

The author suggests she mention his name.

The author asks for her email address.

Her cheeks flush with delight.

What is the reader to think when at the end of the conference the author sits beside her on the brick steps outside the library?

He tells her again she is talented.

She glows. She is an incandescent bulb thrumming with heat.

What is she to think when he leans overs and takes a long, luxurious sniff of her shoulder?

When he says, “I wanted to know what you smelled like”?

This reader, due to youth or naivete, may not realize the author did anything wrong. When she does come to this realization, years later, she will feel as if everything has moved two inches to the left. She will doubt her own history. She will doubt her own ability to see.

This reader, due to the author’s flattery, may like the reflection she sees in his eyes. She will spend years looking into the eyes of other men for validation of her beauty and her talent, which become as conflated for her as they are to the men.

This reader may mistake the moment the author smelled her shoulder for a kind of power. But that is because she has misread his work.

This reader may question her actions. Why did she wear a tank top? It was hot that afternoon in Savannah, but she has shirts with sleeves. She will question the talent that he praised because his praise is tainted.

Incandescent bulbs have short lifespans. When they pop and go dark, they are easily replaced.

The cost is negligible.

The essay circulates among readers and the author circulates among readers.

The essay will always be able to find new readers. Readers are easily replaced.

The essay was never just about critiquing masculinity.

The little boy was not a fiction. But the little boy was fictionalized.

The essay was always about power.

The essay doesn’t end.

Rebecca Hazelton

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Home / Essay Samples / Sociology / Identity / Masculinity

Masculinity Essay Examples

Toxic masculinity's effect on men, women and the whole society.

To be clear in the beginning of toxic masculinity essay: ‘toxic masculinity’ is not an innate male trait, but rather the result of societal expectations of what it means to be a man. The truth is, traditional gender roles can be constrictive for boys as...

Machismo and Toxic Masculinity in the Modern Society

In this modern society, men are stereo-typed and hassled for being men. If men dress or even act different, they are most likely exposed to insulting or degrading terms. In America, most people can dress and act differently without being verbally abused. In other countries,...

The Toxicity of Masculinity in the Story of Tom Brennan

In today’s modern society, men can misinterpret the meanings and intentions behind their actions, which can in turn, lead to severe consequences towards the ideologies and expectations, placed on men by others. These beliefs include their masculinity, strength, domination and emotions of anger and hatred...

The Presence of Hegemonic Masculinity in Wrestling

In this essay, to look further into the presence of hegemonic masculinity in sport we focused on the sport of wrestling and collected data from a singular individual who is a student-athlete. We interviewed Kane Jajieh, a 4th-year student at the University of California, Los...

The Issue of Toxic Masculinity in Ang Lee’s Film 'Brokeback Mountain'

Toxic masculinity is an issue that has surfaced over the course of the transitional period taking place towards the end of the twentieth century leading into the progressive twenty-first century. This said issue is clearly evident in texts set prior to the twenty-first century, such...

Leopold Bloom and the Concept of Masculinity in Ulysses

James Joyce’s complex and riveting novel Ulysses features many parallaxes and deep complexities within it. Themes of paternity and maternity issues, self-identity, and heroism are some composites that makeup Ulysses. In the first set of chapters, we meet multiple men of Dublin. The male characters...

The Making of Moonlight: a Talk About the Nature of Gay Masculinity

Moonlight is a 2016 film written and directed by Barry Jenkins. The extract begins with a circular shot that follows Terrel, a high school bully, walking around in a circle. He picks Kevin to punch Chiron to prove his own masculinity. This extract exemplifies one...

Masculinity and Feminism in the Woman Warrior

Maxine Hong Kingston’s The Woman Warrior (1976) came only a few years after Small Changes, and yet the context of masculinity is much more hidden. The novel consists of five stories from Kingston’s family, Chinese myth, and Kingston’s own story. The opening chapter of the...

The Lord of the Flies: Man Through the Eyes of William Golding

“Man produces evil as a bee produces honey” (Golding). Humans do what they do base off of uncontrollable factors or instincts. Sigmund Freud classifies this as the Id side of men; acting on impulses and desires. Throughout Golding's novel, the boys are seen acting based...

Masculinity and Emasculation in Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

In Chinua Achebe’s novel Things Fall Apart, various emotions are displayed by the characters including some serious topics like colonialism, tradition, repression, pride, and masculinity. The protagonist Okonkwo, a self-made man, experiences first hand what pride ultimately leads to: Death. His ultimate demise represented the...

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