traditional masculinity
Old-school male ideals
Traditional masculinity refers to a cluster of traits and behaviors historically expected of men in many cultures: physical strength, emotional stoicism, self-reliance, competitiveness, protectiveness, and breadwinning.
The phrase often appears in debates about gender roles, sometimes defended as grounding and purposeful, sometimes criticized as restrictive or toxic: Traditional masculinity discourages men from seeking help.
The adjective "traditional" implies contrast with evolving ideas about what masculinity can mean.
- strengthPower to exert force
- strong silent typeReserved yet capable archetype
- stoicUncomplaining endurer of hardship
- stiff upper lipControlled emotional restraint
- providerOne who furnishes things
rugged · honor · dominance · breadwinner · breadwinner role · man of the house · head of household · toughness · protector · virility · assertive · patriarch · machismo · man's man · muscular · courage · fatherhood · self-reliance
traditional masculinityfemininity
Female nature or character
womanhood · domesticity · effeminacy · maternal instinct · girlishness
traditional masculinitygender fluidity
Non-static identity category
gender nonconformity · androgyny · queerness · genderqueer · third gender
traditional masculinitymetrosexuality
Style-focused male self-presentation
traditional, tradition, traditions, traditionalism, traditionalist, traditionalists, traditionally, masculine, masculinity