One way we learn about what it means to “be a man” is through media. A recent review of three meta-analyses confirmed an association between television viewing and beliefs about gender (Ward & Grower, 2020). This is why examining how masculinity is portrayed in media is important.
Investigating Hollywood movies, Boyle and Brayton (2012) found masculinity is often portrayed through labour capacity, physicality and muscularity, heterosexuality, a tough poise, and sadomasochist themes. I don’t think it’s controversial to suggest that these represent what is sometimes called "traditional masculinity."
A popular assessment of conformity to so-called "traditional masculinity" is the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory (Mahalik et al., 2003), which is both psychometrically sound and sensitive to the fact that masculinity expression can vary greatly. It offers 11 validated scales of masculine conformity:
- Self-Reliance
- Primacy of Work
- Power Over Women
- Disdain for Homosexuals
- Pursuit of Status
These aren’t all intrinsically bad. For example, emotional control and risk-taking, and to a lesser extent, violence and dominance, could be conceptualised as positive masculinity in certain contexts (Zeglin, 2016).
Movies often present male characters exhibiting the aforementioned norms in positive circumstances, which is why so many male viewers easily identify with them. However, these norms are inherently restrictive.
Analysing young adult novels, Bereska (2003) noted that if a male deviates from too many of the norms he is “removed from the realm of manhood.” That is why characters like Greg Universe, Juan, Newt Scamander, Samwise Gamgee, Iroh and Jack Harkness are so necessary. They don't conform to traditional masculinity. They're vulnerable, emotionally expressive, respectful, supportive, empathic, and non-violent. What’s more, they’re portrayed as heroic or successful or positive because of these traits, not despite them.
I think it’s important to be critical of media and it's portrayal of masculinity. If this interests you, I recommend checking out Pop Culture Detective on YouTube for some fantastic analyses.