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Layers Of Masculinity: Societal Expectations And Family Dynamics

2163 Words9 Pages

Marjory Nicolle Duque
Prof. Helen Lee
Masculinity, Modernity, and Men
June 17, 2023
Layers of Masculinity: Societal Expectations and Family Dynamics
Masculinity, as the societal construct that encompasses the qualities, behaviors, and roles expected of men, is constantly changing over time, and its definition continues to be a never-ending discussion. However, despite the fluidity of masculinity, societies persistently impose expectations on men to conform to certain norms and assimilate into predefined gender roles. Nevertheless, there emerges a profound tension between societal expectations and the desires of individuals who may reject or challenge traditional notions of masculinity. This defiance can lead to a disruption of social stability, …show more content…

The readings "Taming Tiger Dads" and "Korea's Vietnam" shed light on the complex interplay between family dynamics and societal expectations. In South Korea, the influence of militarized modernity and the legacy of the Vietnam War has had a profound impact on family dynamics and the construction of masculinity. As previously stated, Ryu explores how the portrayal of soldiers as heroes and self-sacrificing men. This perception influenced family dynamics, where men were expected to embody these masculine ideals within their roles as fathers and husbands. Moreover, Allen Kim's "Taming Tiger Dads" discusses South Korea's Father School, which emerged as a response to the changing dynamics of fatherhood and gender roles. The Father School sought to challenge traditional gender norms and encourage men to take on a more involved and nurturing role within the family. This change in family dynamics was done to redefine the expectations of fathers and promote a different and open division of household …show more content…

The hierarchical family structure places the patriarch as the authoritative figure within the household. This hierarchy strengthen the traditional gender roles and expectations, where men were and still are often expected to be the primary providers and decision-makers, while women are responsible for household tasks such as childcare. These family dynamics enforced the men's sense of identity and their obedience to societal expectations of masculinity. The traditional division of labor within the family, where men are predominantly responsible for the economic provision, can create pressures and tensions, especially as societal and economic shifts challenge these established roles. By examining the family dynamics, we gain insight into how the expectations placed on men within their familial roles reinforce societal norms and contribute to the construction of masculinity. The family becomes a mimic of what society expects about behaviors, values, and roles that men are expected to embody. Understanding the back-and-forth between family dynamics and societal expectations is crucial to comprehend the intricacies of masculinity in Japan and South

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