Patriarchal masculinity has been a normative construct in society for centuries. It is based on power hierarchies between men and women where men hold more power than women. This has led to many negative effects such as gender inequality, violence against women, and sexual objectification of women.
There are some who believe that tenderness and non-competitive relationality can challenge this traditional model of masculinity. Tenderness refers to being emotionally vulnerable and expressing one's feelings while relationality involves building meaningful connections with others without competitiveness. In this article, I will discuss how these qualities can serve as radical critiques of patriarchal masculinity.
Tenderness
Tenderness is an essential quality that challenges patriarchal masculinity because it allows men to be open about their emotions and show vulnerability, which is often seen as weakness in patriarchal societies. Men who practice tenderness have more positive relationships with women and other people in general, as they feel comfortable sharing their feelings and needs with others.
Studies show that fathers who express affection towards their children grow up into confident adults who can build healthy romantic relationships later in life.
Men who are not afraid to cry or express sadness are seen as more attractive by women because it shows that they are emotionally intelligent.
Non-Competitiveness
Non-competitiveness is another quality that challenges patriarchal masculinity because it rejects the idea that men should always compete with each other for dominance. It encourages collaboration and cooperation between men, which can lead to better outcomes than individual competition.
When men work together on projects at work, they can come up with creative solutions that benefit everyone involved.
Non-competitive men are less likely to engage in toxic behaviors such as bullying, violence, and aggression, which can lead to improved mental health and wellbeing.
Tenderness and non-competitive relationality can challenge patriarchal masculinity by promoting equality and rejecting the idea that men must always strive to be dominant over women. These qualities can lead to more harmonious relationships between men and women and create a world where everyone feels valued and respected.
These qualities need to be practiced consistently and promoted widely if we want to see real change in our society.
Can tenderness and non-competitive relationality serve as radical critiques of patriarchal masculinity?
Tenderness and non-competitiveness can be considered a radical critique of patriarchal masculinity because they challenge traditional notions of power and dominance that are often associated with masculinity in our society. Tenderness and non-competitiveness emphasize empathy, vulnerability, and connection rather than strength, aggression, and competition.