Gender Socialization in Men

Gender has been defined as the behavioral, cultural, or psychological traits associated with one’s sex. Early gender theorists posited that men and women had innate psychological differences that contributed to their respective, and distinct, gender roles. These characterizations are still sometimes used today. However, the concept of fixed gender roles has been widely criticized, and the current study of gender roles largely follows a constructionist perspective. That is, men and women learn what the appropriate thoughts and behaviors are based on their social environment. In addition, what is considered masculine differs across cultures and throughout time. For example, some cultures have considered homosexual relationships to be the antithesis of true masculinity, whereas others have viewed such relationships as a prerequisite to being considered a “true ...