Too many young boys have found themselves the victims of gender stereotyping when they express their sorrow or pain by crying. The phrase, “You Cry Like a Girl” shames both girls and boys-girls by implying that they are inherently weak, and boys by suggesting that real men avoid behavior associated with feminine traits.
Has masculinity always been so narrowly defined by societal gender bias? Lets take a 100-year journey and learn about the evolution of masculinity.
The Early 20th Century: The Strong, Silent Type (1920s-1940s)
In the early 20th century, masculinity was often defined by strength, stoicism, and self-reliance. The ideal man was a provider and protector, embodying the virtues of hard work, discipline, and emotional restraint. This was a time when industrialization was at its peak, and men were expected to be the breadwinners, working in factories, farms, or as skilled tradesmen. Men were the decision makers and women were seen as domestic and the primary caretaker. However, the Depression (1929-1939) changed this dynamic as men’s heavy industry jobs were adversely impacted, while the income from women’s “pink collar” jobs supported the family. In the 1940s, cultural icons such as John Wayne had epitomized the ideal male as the “strong ,silent type,” but now things were slowly beginning to change.
World War II helped redefine male masculinity as many of the roles previously classified as men’s work now were being performed by women. Rosie the Riveter became a popular icon. However, when men returned from the war they reclaimed their jobs and women were pushed back into the “pink collar” jobs. Although men were still expected to be providers and protectors, it had been established that a man’s masculinity wasn’t solely based on his job.
Post-War Prosperity and the Suburban Dream (1950s-1960s)
The post-World War II era brought about significant changes in society, including the rise of the suburban family as the American ideal. Masculinity during the 1950s and 1960s was family oriented and closely tied to a man being the head of the household. The "nuclear family" became the cornerstone of society. The suburban lifestyle encouraged conformism and depicted the middle class male working in a corporate environment. Ozzie Nelson of the television show “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet” represented the era’s slightly befuddled family man. He brought home the bacon but his wife ruled the roost.
This period also saw the beginning of the cultural pushback against rigid gender roles, with the early seeds of the feminist movement taking root. However, the dominant view of masculinity still emphasized traditional values, with men encouraged to be ambitious, successful, and authoritative.
The Counterculture and Changing Norms (1970s-1980s)
The 1970s and 1980s were decades of significant social change, marked by rebellion and feminist activism. Movements began to challenge traditional notions of masculinity, questioning the idea that men had to be stoic, aggressive, and dominant. The rise of women in professional careers and the “hippie” philosophy of consciousness raising encouraged men to be more emotionally expressive, involved in parenting, and open to new ways of thinking about gender roles. Men at times had to be the wife of the house while the wife worked longer hours outside the home. The men’s liberation movement of the early 70s stressed the negative impact of “traditional “ masculinity.
The 1980s, while still retaining some of the traditional views, also began to see the rise of the "yuppie" culture, where success and ambition were celebrated, but with a greater emphasis on personal style and sensitivity. A man didn’t have to be physically strong or able to lead to be masculine, he did however have to be successful and know how to showcase his success through his wardrobe choices .The “power suit” became a symbol of his success.
The 1990s: A Decade of Confusion and Redefinition
The 1990s were defined as a time in which many men experienced a crisis of masculinity. On the one hand, traditional masculine ideals were still prevalent, particularly in popular culture with the glorification of hyper-masculine action heroes like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone and films like “Fight Club”.
The "New Man" emerged during this period, characterized by a more progressive approach to masculinity that included being in touch with one's emotions, sharing domestic responsibilities, and supporting gender equality. This was exemplified by the rise of the metrosexual male who adopted traditional feminine aesthetics.
The 1990s also saw the rise of "grunge" culture, which rejected the materialism and hyper-masculinity of the 1980s in favor of a more laid-back, introspective masculinity.
The 21st Century: Toward Inclusive and Fluid Masculinity
The 21st century has brought about a more inclusive and fluid understanding of masculinity. No longer is a man’s role just considered to be that of breadwinner for the family. Gender no longer defines masculinity. Society has recognized that there is no one “right “way to be a man. Masculinity can encompass a wide range of traits, from strength and resilience to empathy and emotional intelligence. Men are increasingly encouraged to be true to themselves, whether that means embracing traditional masculine roles or breaking away from them entirely
Our journey through the past 100 years highlights how societal views on masculinity have been shaped by broader cultural, economic, and social changes. Perhaps we can hope that we’re finally at the point in time when it’s no longer the kiss of death for someone to tell a man that he “cries like a girl”.
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