AGENTS VS THE MAN BOX
WORDS - AARON NEWTON
Like any societal construct, masculinity is dynamic and subject to evolution over time.
In the realm of understanding masculinity, the concept of the Man Box has emerged as a powerful metaphor encapsulating the societal expectations and stereotypes that prescribe how men should behave. This metaphorical box imposes a set of rigid beliefs, dictating that men must be tough, stoic, and dominant, suppressing emotions and conforming to narrow definitions of strength.
Episode 4: Agents vs The Man Box explores this concept, presents the science and empowers us to be aware, foster open conversations, and encourage a more inclusive and diverse understanding of masculinity. Read on as we unpack the final episode of the Agents For Change podcast series.
WHAT IS THE MAN BOX?
A Call to Men, A TED Talk by Tony Porter focuses on the concept of the Man Box – societal expectations that pressure men to conform to traditional masculine stereotypes and gender norms like being dominating, unemotional, and aggressive. Historical gender roles, societal expectations, popular culture, and media influence shape norms around masculinity.
A study conducted by Jesuit Social Services in Australia surveyed 1,000 young men aged 18 to 30 to investigate men's adherence to or rejection of these expectations, as represented by being inside or outside the Man Box, with their behaviours and attitudes. Approximately 50% of respondents felt that societal pressure to conform to these beliefs was essential to being a man. At the same time, a little over a quarter personally endorsed such beliefs. Men who fall inside the Man Box showed much higher rates of bullying, aggression, and sexist attitudes than those outside the box.
The rigid expectations imposed by the Man Box contribute to a toxic environment that fosters abusive behaviour by promoting the idea that men should be dominant and in control, discouraging men from expressing vulnerability or seeking help for emotional issues and reinforcing power dynamics within relationships. An expectation within the Man Box that men should be firm and stoic can hinder effective communication.
Tony argues the need to deconstruct and redefine traditional masculinity, thereby challenging the underlying beliefs and attitudes that contribute to violence against women. By promoting a more inclusive and equitable vision of masculinity, Tony's work aims to create a society where domestic violence is less likely to occur.
INNATE OR SOCIALISED AGGRESSION
Did you ever wonder about the origins of aggression and how genetics plays a role? A study in 2022 may provide some answers. The study showed that genes and environment can shape aggressive behaviour.
The experiment began by selectively breeding mice to enhance their aggressive behaviour, which resulted in a group of mice exhibiting heightened aggression traits. As the generations progressed, the aggressive tendencies in this group became more noticeable, prompting a deeper investigation into the hereditary aspects of aggression.
By the seventh generation, the researchers found a consistent elevation in aggression levels among the selectively bred mice, which pointed towards a significant heritable component. With each successive generation, the difference between the aggressive and non-aggressive groups of mice intensified until the behavioural disparity became so ingrained by the 39th generation that transferring individual mice from one group to another no longer influenced their behaviour.
Wondering how this all connects? What is interesting about this study is that it suggests that aggressive behaviour in mice has a heritable component, accumulating over generations. For mice and humans alike, the findings imply that genetics play a significant role in aggressive tendencies, but environmental factors are also crucial. Childhood experiences, exposure to trauma, and instances of violence all play a vital part in shaping adult behaviours.
By acknowledging the hereditary aspect of aggression and recognising the impact of environmental factors, we can create safer, more compassionate environments. If we can better understand how aggression develops, we can disrupt the cycle of violence and offer a pathway towards fostering empathy and breaking free from the chains of violence.
THE POWER OF BIASES AND STEREOTYPES
Addressing domestic violence requires challenging and dismantling these biases and stereotypes. This involves promoting awareness, education, and cultural shifts that foster more equitable and empathetic attitudes towards gender roles and relationships.
These discoveries encourage a reassessment of societal norms and stereotypes by questioning established assumptions. For instance, research on children's play styles challenges conventional stereotypes regarding their social interactions and risk-taking behaviours in mate selection are linked with evolutionary origins. Biases and stereotypes influence our thoughts and views, highlighting the need for a broad and inclusive understanding of people's lives.
There is a powerful influence of collective behaviour on individual actions, highlighting the human inclination to conform for social acceptance and belonging. Individuals can shape and establish a positive group norm by actively championing positive and healthy behaviours.
By promoting constructive relationships, safe interactions, and healthier expressions of identity and sexuality, individuals create an environment where these behaviours become accepted and the standard within the group. This concerted effort aims to foster a sense of belonging and well-being for all members, reflecting that individuals play a pivotal role in steering the collective dynamics of their social circles towards positivity and inclusivity.
Further your learning by reading unpacking the gendered drivers of violence against women or read more about challenging gender perception by reading works by Cordelia Fine
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