Our ideas surrounding masculinity and femininity are ones that have been instilled in us since childhood. Despite recent efforts to promote the values of gender equality in our youth, many adults today still hold internalized misogyny in their decisions, actions and values. Misogynistic thought is rooted in gender schemas and our conformity to gender-specific traits.
The social constructs of femininity and masculinity have undoubtedly caused many problems for humanity in the past, and threats to these aspects of our identities cause valid sensations of anger and confusion. These results are normal when one’s gender expression is questioned or challenged. Internalized notions of what each gender should reflect in their appearance and qualities have caused problems other than confusion, as well. Further research has shown that these internalized notions are related to sexism and gender-fueled violence. Modern science suggests that sexual aggression and violence aimed at women are a result of fragile masculinity.
Within the construct of masculinity, it is considered unfavorable to have attributes or skills that are comparable to women; in fact, it is societally accepted that men should not resemble women in any fashion. Consequently, men are expected to be concerned with how their masculinity is perceived in the eyes of others. Threats to this notion result in discomfort and anger. Ultimately, this anger is translated to violence and the sexualization of women.
The defining attributes of men as strong, unemotional and secure contribute to problems deeply ingrained in our society’s norms of masculinity, which are formed through societal expectations that ultimately work to oppress women. When men feel the need to exemplify their masculinity, their failures to represent masculine ideals are translated to overcompensation in the form of violence. When people question characteristics of identity, as they are for men, violence is often the result.
Dr. Theresa Vescio, a professor at Penn State, speaks on the issue in her TED talk “What Women Want Men to Know about Sexism.” Vescio is well versed in the studies of racism, sexism and heterosexism. She relates the harmful mindset of men to the harassment of females around the globe. Vescio educates her audience on the roots of sexism and encourages people to be allies to victims of sexism fueled by toxic masculinity. Her insight into the realm of sexism as well as years of research behind her claims reveals that a critical step in achieving equality for the sexes should be dismantling our concepts of masculinity and femininity.
Vescio reveals a common trend within many cases of sexism: threats to masculinity result in public discomfort, which then translates into anger and the sexualization of women. When men feel threatened, they act out in anger, which results in the subtle sexual harassment of women. Vescio deduces that these forms of aggression are caused by society’s preconceived ideas about masculinity. The male gaze portrays men as strong, powerful, influential and unemotional. In men’s attempts towards appealing to these standards, women often fall victim to the consequences of their internal failures.
In a study conducted by Vescio herself, she observed the results of emasculating men in comparison to women. The variable of male aggression was assessed by asking men to dress non-existent female online characters for the cold winter months. Researchers administered a series of insults to the men in the experimental group. The offenses included phrases intended to make these men feel threatened and emasculated. The men who experienced insults dressed women in tank tops and swimwear. Men who did not experience threats to their masculinity dressed women in layers appropriate for the cold. For the men who did receive insults, their anger caused them to dress the women inappropriately. This experiment ultimately proves the subconscious practice of men to act irrationally when their masculinity is challenged.
Male participants who were otherwise well-intentioned adopted the perspectives of those with harmful stereotypes. Anger resulting from threats to masculinity caused the decline in empathy and willingness to relate to women. This also causes the increased demand within men to exert dominance, dismissal of concern for rape and violence and even the likelihood to participate in sexual harassment.
From this research, we learn the importance of questioning the standards of our discussions regarding sexism. Even subtle aggressors, such as jokes or mockeries aimed at men can lead to extreme aggression. We must understand how the sexualization of women is linked to threats toward masculinity and aggression. Performative action must be taken in dismantling our perception of masculinity and femininity. To work towards the equal treatment of men and women, we must avoid normalizing sexism, listen to victims of harassment, prioritize the respect of others and encourage people to adopt less harmful mindsets.