Why is femininity a challenge to masculinity? Research shows that when assessing gender identities, there are greater perceived repercussions for men not conforming with their gender identities than women. Simply put, men are more threatened by the idea of being perceived as unmanly. This perceived threat repels them from engaging with what has challenged their masculinity.
Femininity is often positioned as a threat to masculinity, because of the misconception that in being feminine one can’t be masculine and vice versa. This misconception is rooted in the false narrative that men and women possess certain traditional traits that exist independent from one another. For example traditional masculine traits are strength, independence, and assertiveness, while traditional feminine traits are empathy, humility, and sensitivity. The narrative dictates that in order to be “masculine” or “feminine,” you need to embody these traits, and that they can’t intersect. However, we see men being empathetic and sensitive as well as women being independent and assertive. Understanding that embodying these traits are not a determining factor when it comes to your gender identity. Femininity is not the opposite of masculinity nor is it really comparable.
How does this theoretical claim present itself? During my research I came across a reddit thread:
Going through this thread reiterated the point of how men will not engage with something that presents a perceived challenge of their gender identity. I compiled 10 items from the reddit thread that made me chuckle, and the play buttons will start a recording of the direct quote from the thread about a particular object. So it’s up to you to decide; fellas, is it gay to dry yourself?
Femininity and gayness are often grouped together within the context of challenging a masculine gender identity. They are both viewed as a challenge to masculinity and therefore men will disengage. Sustainability is not gay, but because sustainability is viewed as feminine (go check out the other room!), and femininity is a challenge to masculinity, men will not engage with sustainability because of perceived repercussions of not conforming to their gender identity.
