Maleness has been depicted as brute, rugged independence and strength to handle any situation that comes along. Emotion, gentleness, and sensitivity to the needs of others have not been emphasized as essential for manly character. Masculinity is portrayed as physical courage, toughness, competitiveness, and progressiveness. A man is expected not to express his sorrow by shedding tears and often suppresses his tensions; this tends to shorten his life.

Contrary to what some women now claim, the role of the man is difficult. His anxiety begins in early childhood while competing on the playground and continues in sports and business until his death threescore and ten years later. He spends seventy five percent of his lifetime at work, fifteen percent with his family, and ten percent on various recreational and leisure activities. "Throughout all those years and activities he is driven to perform, to maintain an image of authority, stamina, courage and decisiveness."

Although men have masculine traits which differ greatly from the feminine traits of women, they are persons also. A person finds his true nature at the point of relationships. Human characteristics which are basic to relationships are similar in both men and women, and many are the same.

Physical Distinctives of Men
The biological distinctives of the male were apparent, obviously, the male body contains difference in cell structure from that of the female. Chromosome combinations of male cells cause maleness.

Although man is stronger physically than women, it was noted that women has a greater constitutional vitality; generally women outlive men three or four years. The male skeletal structure is usually larger, and his basic metabolism is higher. Normally his legs are larger in proportion to his height, his hips not as large, his chest cavity larger, and his shoulders broader and more muscular. Although he has more hair on his chin and other parts of the body, he is more likely to lose the hair on his head.

The physical functions of motherhood (menstruation, pregnancy, lactation) are totally lacking in man; the absence of hormones producing these functions result in different behavior and emotions.

The physical strength of men and their lack of hormones which produce the traits of motherhood have resulted, for most societies, in men's gravitating towards work requiring muscular strength while women are inclined towards occupations centering in the home and children.

Their physical strenght lends itself to men's being soldiers, hunters, farmers, and builders. The larger chest cavity accommodates larger respiratory and circulatory organs, thus making it possible for men to endure exertion longer.

Bearing and nursing children have provided a biological reason for keeping women at home, while men are less restricted. Men's roles do not require them to work harder than women, but they do engage in heavier work.


The Masculine Nature of Men
Masculinity infers strength, firmness, steadfastness, and unwillingness to yield while femininity implies tenderness and willingness to yield. Masculinity is reflected in a deep-pitched voice and heavy beard. An inner attitude of manliness affects gate, stance, and movements of head and body. Men's usually develop abilities which require masculinity, such as skills to be a carpenter, brick layer, plumber, or farmer.

Firmness is a masculine trait. It is the ability to remain constant, steady, or the same. A firm person does not succumb to pressures from others when he is confident he is right. This quality is essential in leadership. Women may be firm in their dealings with their children and in holding to ideals and principles regarding the home, but the are not as steadfast concerning activities away from home that do not involve moral issues.

Determinations is a masculine trait. It is closely related to firmness and is essential to masculine leadership and to achievement of goals. Women tend to have superior self-control.They usually have more willpower in adhering to principles, standards, and schedules, but men tend to have greater determination with regards to non moral issues.

Men do not give up, quit, relinquish, or surrender under pressure as readily as women. Men usually follow their convictions despite the risk of criticism or failure. They will not avoid an action because it may be wrought with problems or possible failure. Usually women are less determined to carry out an action which may be criticized or involve the risk of failure. These qualities correspond to the Biblical description of man's role as head of the home. However, the position he takes should be based on love for his wife.

Courage is also a quality which enables man to meet dangers and difficulties with firmness and strength. Men of courage will do what they should regardless of the danger involved. The manly trait of courage enables men to hold their posts during times of danger.

The brave, valiant, and unwavering become heroes who strengthen the morale of all society. Men and women alike admire those who have defended their country in battle. In the presence of strong, able, and virile men, women feel their femininity most strongly. The masculine traits of men have psychological effects on both men and women.

Men are relatively independent and usually make every effort to be self-sufficient in earning their livelihood. They attempt to solve their own problems and make their own way in life; therefore, the are less inclined to be expressive in personal matters. On the other hand, women tend to look to men for leadership and as their means of support. This tendency continues to be true even though women's liberation movements have concluded that dependence is an environmental influence and will change when women are encouraged to support themselves and to assert their independence.

When women move into men's work and developed efficiency in leadership roles in the business world and family managements, they must take on traits which are strongly masculine if they are to succeed. These traits are unattractive in women and replace the beauty and delicacy of their femininity. Masculinity is developed when one functions as the guide, protector, and provider of the family.

Because of the pleasure that comes to men through masculine achievements, they strive for success. Inherited wealth brings little sense of fulfillment, but one who earns wealth feels a sense of accomplishment.

The popularity of athletes and competitive sports indicates that the masculine traits of physical endurance and ability are admired and bring a sense of accomplishment to those who participate. Men who do not engage actively in sports enjoy watching sports events and identify with one of the teams. Success of their team gives to them a feeling of personal success. Men participate vicariously in the events they watch.

Men are proud of their inherent qualities of manliness. Even a weak man will defend his manhood when it is threatened. He has an innate desire to achieve something of merit and to be productive. This pride in manliness is essential for the preservation and progress of the family, but it can be overemphasized and become perverted to the extent that it is disruptive to the individual's psychological health and the harmony of society. A frustrated male ego can be hostile and even uncontrollable.

Men resent the implication that they are effeminate. Wives who imply that their husbands are deficient in any trait which is distinctively masculine erect barriers to communication and relationship.

Men are very sensitive to ridicule, contempt, or criticism of their masculinity. Repeated insensitive remarks, which cause humiliation, tend to cause a man to build a protective wall about himself and to become quiet and unapproachable. His withdrawal is an attempt to avoid the risk of further humiliation. The man who experiences the pain of humiliation, either in or outside the home, develop a self-numbness to his pain which affects other areas of his emotional experiences.


His responses to the beauty of life, the laughter of his children, and the love for his wife are diminished.

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