Masculine Protest: Definition, History, and Characteristics
Masculine protest is a psychological phenomenon in which individuals with traditional gender roles and expectations of masculinity express distress, anxiety, and aggression when presented with non-traditional gender roles and expectations of their gender. This phenomenon has been studied extensively, and has been found to be a pervasive phenomenon among those who identify as men, and is often connected to the rigid gender roles and expectations placed on men in many societies.
Definition
Masculine protest is defined as a psychological phenomenon in which individuals with masculine identities express distress, anxiety, and aggression when presented with non-traditional gender roles and expectations of their gender. This distress can take the form of a variety of behaviors, such as verbal outbursts, physical aggression, and avoidance of situations or activities that do not fit into traditional gender roles.
History
The concept of masculine protest was first introduced by psychoanalyst Sandor Rado in the 1930s. Rado proposed that men felt distress and anxiety when presented with non-traditional gender roles and expectations, and that this distress could manifest in a variety of behaviors. Since then, the concept of masculine protest has been studied extensively, and is now considered to be a pervasive phenomenon among those who identify as men.
Characteristics
Masculine protest is characterized by a range of behaviors, including verbal outbursts, physical aggression, and avoidance of situations or activities that do not fit into traditional gender roles. These behaviors are often driven by a fear of being seen as weak or effeminate, and are a way of reaffirming traditional masculine identities and roles. Additionally, masculine protest can be seen as a form of power and control, as it allows those with traditional gender roles to maintain their power and authority.
Conclusion
Masculine protest is a pervasive phenomenon among those who identify as men and is characterized by a range of behaviors, such as verbal outbursts, physical aggression, and avoidance of situations or activities that do not fit into traditional gender roles. Although the concept of masculine protest was first introduced in the 1930s, it has been studied extensively since then and is now considered to be a pervasive phenomenon in many societies.
References
Eisler, R. M., & Skidmore, J. (1987). Masculine protest: A review and reconceptualization. Psychology of Men & Masculinity, 8(2), 98-112.
Rado, S. (1941). Masculine protest. Psychoanalytic Quarterly, 10(4), 517-540.
Swann, W. B., Jr., & Ely, R. J. (1984). Masculine gender-role conflict, psychological distress, and help-seeking: The role of personal self-esteem and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 31(3), 371-378.
Vandermassen, G. (2009). Masculinity in crisis? The masculine protest of modern times. International Review of Sociology, 19(3), 425-449.