Introduction
Masculinity and male dominance are part and parcel of our society despite changes laws to ensure gender equality. The society can be described as a modified patriarchy, where masculinity symbolizes superiority over women and other lesser men (p. 155). Masculinity is associated with power, that is, measures of strength, high status, and dominance. Men have always tried to prove masculinity over women and other men, something which is stressful to some. Despite the efforts to enhance gender equality, most men still struggle to prove their masculinity and dominance. This paper explains why and how male dominance is built is society’s institutions and not associated with any biological urges. It also explains why the culture of male dominance has become hegemonic in societies. Finally, the paper reflects on my experiences within a hierarch of male dominance.
Although there are a few biological differences between men and women, masculinity and male dominance cannot be attributed to such differences. The concept of naturalism, the idea that biology influences the behavior of people independently from their environment, has been rejected overwhelmingly by scholars from multiple disciplines (p. 56). The theory of culturalism, the idea that behavior is purely acquired through learning and socialization, is also unfounded. Wade and Ferree (p. 56) argue that human behavior is a product of bio-cultural interaction. Human bodies respond to the cultural environment and vice versa. Therefore, although men are usually masculine, the urge to prove masculinity and male dominance over women and other men are influenced by bio-cultural interaction. In most cultures, men have been considered to be superior to women, and this is reflected in various aspects of life including gender roles and sexuality. The society expects men to play the dominant role, even in areas where biology does not dictate so.
People tend to cat in gendered ways much of the time. Men are normally inclined to act masculine and dominating. Masculinity is associated with hard work, leadership, sacrifice, among other desirable traits (p. 155). Exhibiting traits considered feminine such as expressing emotions are viewed as a sign of weakness. This has inculcated a belief among most men that should be better than women. They feel better if they are superior to women. Such attitudes affect even marriages and relationships as men feel they need to better than their female partners, including in aspects such as income. Some men consider themselves failures if they are not better than women, and this has contributed to sadness and silent suffering (p. 155).
Another factor that has made male dominance hegemonic in society is the differences in the rewards derived from the binary gender system. The binary gender system upholds masculinity and feminism. According to Wade and Ferree (p. 187), this system is not just about differences, but hierarchy in which the masculine side of the binary system is considered better than the feminine side (p. 187). Many people have internalized this belief and consider men to be more valuable than women most of the time (p. 187). Therefore, most men believe that masculinity is associated with benefits that they would not obtain if they were feminine. For instance, very few companies have implemented equal pay policies. The US soccer women’s team generates more income to the US Soccer Federation than their male counterparts, yet they are paid a fraction of what men earn. The binary gender system and masculinity will continue so long as men continue to get higher rewards than women.
The cost of deviating from such norms could be high for men. Men who exhibit the so-called feminine traits tend to consider themselves and are viewed by society as failures. Men live in fear since other men watch, rank, and grant them acceptance in the realm of manhood (Kimmel, p. 223). This leads to stress and silent suffering, a cost that most men are reluctant to bear. For instance, men in abusive marriages from their female partners are less likely to talk about it due to the humiliation they expect from a society that considers men to be superior to women. Studies in healthcare have shown that men are less likely to seek medical help than women. Similarly, women incur a high cost in trying to deviate from the binary gender system that views them as inferior to men. Therefore, the high cost of challenging the binary gender system for both men and women makes masculinity and male dominance hegemonic in society.
In my engagements as a healthcare worker, I have experienced several instances of toxic masculinity. I have seen patients on several occasions prefer male to female doctors believing that male doctors are more qualified. Masculinity also exists among fellow healthcare workers despite their level of education and exposure. A female was appointed the head of our department, and my male colleagues were not impressed. They had no issue with her performance but cited the fact that it would be challenging for her to manage a department dominated by male employees. This illustrated male dominance and masculinity as they believed that a woman is ‘less qualified’ to handle the department because she is a woman.
Conclusion
In conclusion, toxic masculinity is undesirable for any society, yet it is fuelled by the binary gender system and a societal culture that see men as superior to women. Some men are struggling to prove masculinity juts to avoid being considered weak and failures. I believe that it is easier to reduce toxic masculinity in society by educating boys not to be afraid to express their emotions and other toxic masculine behaviors. Community awareness right from early childhood would be effective in mitigating toxic masculinity. Besides, in my way, I try to exploit any position I am given to do my best and demonstrate that women are not inferior to men.
