In Early Modern Europe and Colonial America, masculinity was shaped by social, cultural, and economic factors rooted in patriarchy. The social hierarchy was patriarchal, with men holding power both publicly and privately. In Colonial America, masculinity was closely tied to the ability to survive, especially in harsh conditions. Women depended on their fathers, husbands, and sons for survival. Male identity revolved around the concept of "husbanding" the land, where men were seen as the heads of households, financially responsible for providing for their families. They served as authority figures and decision-makers, while women were expected to serve men, manage the household, and raise children according to societal standards.
Men were pressured to conform to rigid ideals of masculinity. Women were often viewed as weak, emotional, and wholly dependent on men, reinforcing the notion that it was a man's duty to protect and care for them. To fit into this mold, men were expected to be not only physically stronger than women but also emotionally stoic, as expressing emotions could be seen as a sign of weakness. Most men were engaged in trade and agricultural work, while women's roles were primarily domestic. Successful men were those who could provide and protect. Professions like construction today, which are physically demanding, were often considered quintessentially masculine. Although American society has evolved, the idea persists that men should not cry and should maintain authority in relationships.
In class, we briefly discussed same-sex relationships and how masculinity fits into them. The roles within these relationships can be fluid and challenge traditional stereotypes. Societal norms may pressure individuals in homosexual relationships to conform to masculine ideals for acceptance, while others may reject these expectations, depending on their cultural context. Some people still hold the outdated belief that men should only engage with women for procreation, often citing religious doctrines that emphasize a traditional Adam and Eve framework. Such notions perpetuate the idea that a man should own or take care of a woman.
Anne Hutchinson, for example, was accused of "seducing" women and making them "rebellious" and neglectful of community obligations. The prominent townsmen did not like that the women preferred to listen to her. This hurt their ego because they wanted to hold power over women and in turn control them.
In our changing world, masculinity persists. As Summer Koester wrote, men often strive for control and may manipulate others to maintain dominance. When she stated that "patriarchy is one of the single largest threats to men’s mental and physical health," I realized I had primarily viewed masculinity as impacting women, neglecting its effects on men as well. Men feel pressured to conform to ideals of masculinity for acceptance, often leading to emotional repression that can be detrimental to their well-being.
For instance, my father hasn't seen a doctor in over ten years. If he has any underlying health issues, we are unaware because he associates masculinity with strength and health. To him, seeking medical help would undermine that image. Similarly, when my sister broke her arm, he chose to set the bone himself instead of calling a medical professional. As a child, I didn't understand why he wouldn’t let someone qualified handle it. Now, I see that he believed it was solely his responsibility to care for his family. This pressure to prove his manhood by taking care of everyone must weigh heavily on him.
Masculinity and manhood defined the patriarchal structures of Early Modern Europe and Colonial America. Before this class, I primarily considered how these constructs affected women, but now I recognize their profound impact on men's physical and mental health as well.
Masculinity
In Early Modern Europe and Colonial America, masculinity was shaped by social, cultural, and economic factors rooted in patriarchy. The social hierarchy was patriarchal, with men holding power both publicly and privately. In Colonial America, masculinity was closely tied to the ability to survive, especially in harsh conditions. Women depended on their fathers, husbands, and sons for survival. Male identity revolved around the concept of "husbanding" the land, where men were seen as the heads of households, financially responsible for providing for their families. They served as authority figures and decision-makers, while women were expected to serve men, manage the household, and raise children according to societal standards.
Men were pressured to conform to rigid ideals of masculinity. Women were often viewed as weak, emotional, and wholly dependent on men, reinforcing the notion that it was a man's duty to protect and care for them. To fit into this mold, men were expected to be not only physically stronger than women but also emotionally stoic, as expressing emotions could be seen as a sign of weakness. Most men were engaged in trade and agricultural work, while women's roles were primarily domestic. Successful men were those who could provide and protect. Professions like construction today, which are physically demanding, were often considered quintessentially masculine. Although American society has evolved, the idea persists that men should not cry and should maintain authority in relationships.
In class, we briefly discussed same-sex relationships and how masculinity fits into them. The roles within these relationships can be fluid and challenge traditional stereotypes. Societal norms may pressure individuals in homosexual relationships to conform to masculine ideals for acceptance, while others may reject these expectations, depending on their cultural context. Some people still hold the outdated belief that men should only engage with women for procreation, often citing religious doctrines that emphasize a traditional Adam and Eve framework. Such notions perpetuate the idea that a man should own or take care of a woman.
Anne Hutchinson, for example, was accused of "seducing" women and making them "rebellious" and neglectful of community obligations. The prominent townsmen did not like that the women preferred to listen to her. This hurt their ego because they wanted to hold power over women and in turn control them.
Excerpt from the examination of Anne Hutchinson (1637))
In our changing world, masculinity persists. As Summer Koester wrote, men often strive for control and may manipulate others to maintain dominance. When she stated that "patriarchy is one of the single largest threats to men’s mental and physical health," I realized I had primarily viewed masculinity as impacting women, neglecting its effects on men as well. Men feel pressured to conform to ideals of masculinity for acceptance, often leading to emotional repression that can be detrimental to their well-being.
For instance, my father hasn't seen a doctor in over ten years. If he has any underlying health issues, we are unaware because he associates masculinity with strength and health. To him, seeking medical help would undermine that image. Similarly, when my sister broke her arm, he chose to set the bone himself instead of calling a medical professional. As a child, I didn't understand why he wouldn’t let someone qualified handle it. Now, I see that he believed it was solely his responsibility to care for his family. This pressure to prove his manhood by taking care of everyone must weigh heavily on him.
Masculinity and manhood defined the patriarchal structures of Early Modern Europe and Colonial America. Before this class, I primarily considered how these constructs affected women, but now I recognize their profound impact on men's physical and mental health as well.
Summer Koester, "The more empathy we show for others, we show for ourselves and the kinder we are with ourselves.”