Question

Do you agree that changes in the economy and the inability of men to maintain their earning power seems to be the most important reason for the anxiety about masculinity in the last generation?Why or why not?

Answer 1

To me, it doesn’t seem to be the most important reason that changing economy or low earning power had led to the anxiety about masculinity in the last generation. When we talk about masculinity, it has always been associated more with the word ‘strong’. According to several studies, men consider masculinity as their physical strength, as well as virility and stamina. They have also been trained in a culture that emphasized them as symbolic to strong in a more physical and emotional sense. For instance, men should not cry is said because crying is taken as more feminine. Even if we observe the concept of masculinity in movies, it is reflected through strong super-men and fighters who can achieve anything and do not give up.

While men’s dedication to work and being a provider to women may be a reflection of masculinity, their earning power may not cause them anxiety about masculinity until they are earning and being a provider and until they are self-reliant, powerful over women, and possess emotional control. In most men, anxiety occurs when they cannot perform at all or display their strength through their work. Further, changing economy is an external factor that men may not control. Thus, they may not have considered it as a sign of weakness or low masculinity. Additionally, some men may develop anxiety about their masculinity if their earning power is less than their female partner or if they have lost their job. However, changing economy or low earning power is still not the main reason in most cases.