Gender identity - male studies

Abstract

According to Martin Heidegger, each epoch is obsessed with one thing and only one thing. It seems that sexual difference is the question of our age, on the solution of which our intellectual salvation depends. Aim. In men's studies, the stages of the formation of the concepts of masculinity, the features of the mechanisms, and the formation of the male institution are identified, and possible options for overcoming the rigidity or weakness of the male gender role are proposed. By male gender identity, we do not mean masculine identity, which is different among different social groups in crisis and stable periods of life. However, we rely on the concept of "gender identity," which considers the features of the interaction of all three aspects of a person's life - social, biological, and personal. The desire of the individual to harmonize all components of gender identity is manifested in gender ideas about oneself, gender self-esteem, gender plans, ways, and behavior structures. Methodology. The expediency of choosing one or another method is a priority of policy and research methods. Priority was given to qualitative narrative and ethnographic methods—including observation. According to the results of anonymous surveys (Sandra Bem's test), among women aged 18-27 years old with average gender self-esteem, an orientation towards independent, confident, non-aggressive, but open and straightforward behavior is relevant and for men with average gender self-esteem of 25-37 years old - an orientation towards independent and dominant behavior, in which masculine qualities should take a leading position about feminine ones - respectively. At the same time, family and professional activity are the most critical values associated with realizing gender identity for both men and women. Research question. Specific models of male and female behavior, relationships, norms, values, and gender stereotypes are adopted in each society. Several types of male gender identity are observed: representatives of the dominant form occupy the social pinnacle, secondary, less prestigious, and marginalized forms. Men can feel no less than women feel a sense of social humiliation. At the same time, society's elevated expectations towards representatives of dominant masculinity often become a condition for their psychological stress. Although men have undergone much less change than women, at the same time, changes are taking place in the designation of traditional and "new" forms of masculinity - shifts have affected the economic, political power, marriage, family, sexual areas, the characteristics of gender socialization, public perceptions, and intra-gender relations. Their nature and depth depend on the level of development of a particular country, educational and socio-age characteristics, and family status. Goal. In gender studies, an essential scientific aspect is taken into account - a combination of the principles of scientific character, objectivity, and openness to the perception of new, sometimes not quite traditional, research. "Male" studies are undeservedly relegated to the background against the backdrop of the feminization of society. However, we know that the solution to any issue related to the life and future of humankind depends on us - androgynous, feminine, masculine men and women.