Contrasting Masculinities

Masculinity (also known as manliness or manhood) refers to a set of characteristics, attributes and behaviors associated with males (Uchendu & Codesria Gender Institute, 2008). The difference in masculinities between males can be socially or biologically assigned. In this paper, I will discuss the masculine attributes of two men I know in two different contexts: urban and rural settings. 

Masculine traits of Moris, a 30-35 active man I met in a rural setting some days ago included large hands with rough palms. His muscles protruded, and skin was hairy, and veins bulged out of the skin. His skin of the feet also appeared hard, and his whole body was almost dark. That contrasted the masculine traits of Mike, a man of almost the same age as Moris and whom I met in the city of Mexico. He was brought up in the town and after college had started a shoe shop where he spent most of the day’s time. Mike was a little huge than Moris though this could be attributed to the fatty body he had. His skin was a bit whiter but compared to Moris, who had a flat stomach; his was bulging. His hands were soft and muscles womanly. Though both are men, judging by their physical appearances, Moris appeared more masculine

According to Uchendu and Codesria Gender Institute (2008), masculine traits vary by location and context, and these differences are influenced by social and cultural factors. The male characteristics of Moris could have been influenced by the heavy work done by men in rural areas including hunting, farming and carrying heavy luggage from place to place. More so, some people in rural areas heed by these cultural norms that beckon men to be courageous and tough, in addition to pursuing hard responsibilities. Conversely, the urban settings leave many of these men with few hard pursuances. White collar jobs leave them seated for most of their day time which may explain the difference in masculinities between them and their rural counterparts (Uchendu & Codesria Gender Institute, 2008).

Reference

Uchendu, E. & Codesria Gender Institute. (2008). Masculinities in Contemporary Africa. Dakar: Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa.

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