Psychological, sociocultural and educational factors influence the way men negotiate their feminine traits. Masculinity is often seen as a cultural construct that restricts men from expressing their femininity. There are many reasons why this happens, including socialization, expectations, and biases.
There are also ways to change these conditions through pedagogical, therapeutic and community interventions.
Socialization plays an important role in how masculinity is formed. From childhood, boys are taught to be strong, tough, and independent. They are discouraged from showing emotions and from participating in activities typically associated with girls. This can lead to men feeling uncomfortable when they do show their feminine side, which can create conflict between their masculine and feminine identities.
Educational settings can also reinforce gender roles. In schools, for example, boys may be encouraged to pursue STEM fields while girls are encouraged to study humanities. This can lead to boys suppressing their feelings and expressing themselves in ways that fit into traditional masculine norms.
Teachers may reinforce gender stereotypes by praising boys for being assertive and punishing girls for expressing their opinions.
Biases against femininity can make it difficult for men to accept their feminine sides. Society tends to view femininity as weak or less valuable than masculinity, so men may feel ashamed or embarrassed about displaying feminine traits.
Men who cry or show emotion may be called "girly" or "weak". This stigma creates a culture where men must conform to narrow definitions of masculinity to be accepted.
Future pedagogical, therapeutic and community interventions could foster expansive, relational non-normative masculinities. Schools could teach boys to embrace their full range of emotions and encourage them to explore activities outside of traditionally male domains. Therapists could help men understand the value of their feminine traits and support them in expressing them safely. Communities could celebrate men who challenge gender norms and promote inclusivity. By doing this, we can begin to break down barriers and create a more equitable society.