Throughout history, the idea of masculinity has been worshipped, within the form of gods, heroes and even fathers. However, the American Psychological Association (APA) released new guidelines concerning men and boys, claiming that “traditional masculinity” not only is “harmful” but can lead to homophobia and sexual harassment.
The controversial claim released by the fam association reads, “The main thrust of the subsequent research is that traditional masculinity – marked by stoicism, competitiveness, dominance, and aggression – is, on the whole, harmful.”
It highlights how the findings show, “traditional masculinity is psychologically harmful and those socializing boys to suppress their emotions causes damage that echoes both inwardly and outwardly.”
The published 36-page article goes tit for tat on the “masculinity ideology,” which originates from traditional masculinity, and argues that It harms boys and even men.
The study cautions the idea of traditional masculinity which has until now limit to males’ psychological development, constrain their behavior, resulting in gender role strain and gender role conflict along with negatively influence mental health and physical health.
The APA defines the term “masculinity ideology “as “a particular constellation of standards that have held sway over large segments of the population, including anti-femininity, achievement, eschewal of the appearance of weakness, and adventure, risk, and violence.”
The studies’ main focus suggest that masculine boys may put their energy toward disruptive behaviors such as homophobia, bullying and even sexual harassment rather than strive for academic excellence. Ronald F. Levant, EdD, a professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Akron and co-editor of the APA volume “The Psychology of Men and Masculinities” released a statement stating, “Though men benefit from patriarchy, they are also impinged upon by patriarchy.”
According to the newly published study, clinicians are advised on how to address the problems of their own bias when treating boys and men, and pushed them to discuss how, “power, privilege, and sexism work both by conferring benefits to men and by trapping them in narrow roles.”
Although this study comes from a famed organization, others believe this study to have a very controversial approach, by putting a label and negatively portraying a group, when the whole purpose of the study is to equalize everyone. More Experts are exploring more research to support the claims made by APA.
“The main thrust of the subsequent research is that traditional masculinity – marked by stoicism, competitiveness, dominance, and aggression – is, on the whole, harmful.”
— The American Psychological Association
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