How does today’s man maneuver his life between traditional expectations such as strength, responsibility, performance and more modern ideas of equality, emotional openness and a role in partnership? While some stick to more traditional roles, others find fulfillment in new ways. But what qualities really define a man today?
In life, a man has to build a house, plant a tree and father a child – this is roughly how a saying goes, which describes an example of a man’s life tasks. So this fictional man decides on a traditional life plan. So something permanent should be created that will survive into the future if it is nurtured and cared for and values and norms are passed on. What these values and norms look like is often individually shaped by how you grew up. At the same time, they are also subject to certain social expectations.
Expectations that are also subject to change. In the last few decades in particular, a lot has happened in terms of the image of men and certain requirements that go along with “being a man.”. The modern man has to be very present when his children are growing up, in the best case scenario he manages the household on an equal basis with his partner, is emotionally accessible while at the same time exuding strength.
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Modern men often find themselves caught in an area of tension between new expectations of masculinity and lived reality. At the same time, traditional role models do not simply disappear just because the demand to break away from them grows. In addition, social debates are increasingly questioning which of these ideas can have problematic sides. The term is often used in this context “Toxic masculinity” – this refers to behavioral patterns in which harshness, dominance or the suppression of feelings are considered to be the only “male” characteristics. Critics see this as a cause of social pressure on men, while others find the term too general.
Also the users POKORNYEK and Franky123 independently asked the question about the realities of men’s lives today in the “Die Presse” forum. What does it really mean to be a man today – and what expectations are contemporary? How do you see that?
We ask you, dear readers, what expectations do you think are placed on men today?
Have society’s expectations of men actually changed in the last few decades – or just the discussion about it?
What traditional characteristics do you personally associate with masculinity? Which role models have shaped your own image of masculinity?
What qualities do you personally particularly value in men? Do you think the term “toxic masculinity” is helpful in the social debate – or rather problematic?
Come to the forum and join the discussion! (peex)
