What does it mean to describe someone as ‘masculine’?

Back in 1984, Franklin identified a number of male-valued traits that were typically linked to masculinity, including aggression, dominance and a lack of emotion. While thankfully much has changed since then, perceptions of what it means to be masculine are still frequently linked within research to rigid behaviours and traits, most noticeably around sexism and lack of emotion (Levant & Richmond, 2016).

These ideas are particularly concerning given the constant pressure faced by many men and boys to assert, prove and maintain their masculinity. Morin (2020) found that the pressure to perform this idea of masculinity can have a significant negative impact on men’s mental health, as well as serious consequences for the people around them, as some men’s attitudes and behaviours can end up being driven by others’ expectations, rather than their own wishes and values.

An example of this is a male

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