Masculinity

IronicMaidenIronicMaiden
in General

An interesting article I just read: Psychology’s tools for measuring masculinity lean heavily toward the negative, review finds

A comprehensive review of 65 psychological questionnaires published between 1974 and 2021 indicates that the tools scientists use to measure masculinity focus overwhelmingly on negative traits and harmful outcomes. The study, published in Men and Masculinities, also provides evidence that most of these survey instruments were tested on homogeneous groups of participants and often fail to account for how cultural background or social relationships shape men’s behavior. Together, the findings suggest that psychology’s standard measurement tools may offer an incomplete picture of how gender identity functions in men’s everyday lives.

In short: We need more positive traits in the overall definition of masculinity. Which many people have been saying. The overall definition doesn't describe how men are, it describes how men are supposed to be.

So my question to everyone is, what is masculinity to you? Anticipating the inevitable, please include a positive trait for each negative trait you mention. We want to keep this a discussion about improvement, not a lynch mob.

Comments

  • softopensoftopen

    If I'm in need of engaging with masculine energy, I seek out a person who is forthright 🤌🏽🤌🏽 this right here 🤤

  • SpicyNSweetSpicyNSweet

    Healthy masculinity to me is protecting your loved ones and others around you from harm, but it isn't controlling. It's understanding it's very normal and healthy to cry or express sensitivity, not solely ones such as anger or lust. Being able to communicate honestly and maturely, taking accountability, and using their privilege for the good of all. That's a man to look up to. My fiancé is one of them. ♥️

  • AlexxaAlexxa

    Masculinity means strength to me. It's the male side of Yin and Yang. I don't associate anything negative.

  • BellaAineBellaAine

    I think men already carry enough pressure to perform without feeling like they have room to complain. They come to us pros to release some of society's stress and simply be themselves. A few of my clients read the forums, and I never want them to feel like they aren't good enough. I know this is a positive forum, and these conversations can lead people to question societal norms that have been imposed on them. I think that's valuable, but I won't risk making any of my past or future clients feel inept in the process.