manliness

Manliness refers to a set of attributes, behaviors, and roles traditionally associated with men and boys. It is a culturally constructed concept that can vary across societies and historical periods, and it is not simply a biological consequence of sex.

Historically, expectations of manliness have included courage, self-reliance, physical strength, leadership, and provision for dependents. Different cultures emphasize different traits, and the relative importance of these traits has shifted with economic, religious, and political changes.

In modern scholarship, manliness is viewed as one element of masculinities, a term that recognizes multiple, sometimes conflicting, forms of masculine identity. The idea of hegemonic masculinity describes the dominant ideal that legitimates power relations, while subordinate and peripheral masculinities exist alongside it.

Critiques focus on how certain expectations can restrict emotion, discourage help-seeking, or justify aggression and domination—often labeled toxic masculinity. Proponents argue that positive forms of manliness include responsibility, moral courage, loyalty, and care for family and community.

Contemporary discussions increasingly separate the gendered category of man from rigid stereotypes. Many people advocate broader, more inclusive notions of manliness that accommodate emotional expression, caregiving, egalitarian partnerships, and nontraditional occupations, while preserving values such as integrity and accountability.

Overall, manliness is a contested and evolving cultural construct tied to social norms and power dynamics. It functions as both a personal identity and a social expectation, with meanings that change across cultures and over time.