Double Standard essays

Double Standard essays Masculinity is a topic that has been debated in our society extensively, through research as well as in informal settings. Many wonder what it means to be masculine, and if we can really assign a definition to such a term. After all, shouldn't ones own perception determine what is masculine. This would be ideal in our society, but unfortunately, it isn't. Masculinity has certain characteristics assigned to it by our culture. In this paper I will explore masculinity and demonstrate how certain beliefs pertaining to it are in our society. Men are primarily and secondarily socialized into believing certain characteristics are definitive in determining their manliness and masculinity (Witt, 76). These characteristics range from not crying when they get hurt to playing violently. The idea of masculinity in our society begins as early as the first stages of infancy. A child's sense of self or self-concept is a result of the multitude of ideas, attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs to which he is exposed (Witt, 76). From the start of a boys life he is socialized into the belief that he should be "tough". Often when boys get hurt or come whimpering to their mother or father, the fated words, " Little boys don't cry" , are said. Children internalize parental messages regarding gender at an early age, with awareness of adult sex role differences being found in two-year-old children. One study found that children at two and half years of age use gender stereotypes in negotiating their world and are likely to generalize gender stereotypes to a variety of activities, objects, and occupations (Witt, 76). This teaches males that boys and men are not allowed to cry. There also exists the belief that boys are often required to do men's work outside of the home such as mowing the lawn, cleaning the garage, ect., and not sissy women's work such as cooking and cleaning, etc. Other factors help to create certain standards expected of men and boys. ...