For years, society has shaped a very specific image of what it means to be a “real man.” Many of these ideas have been passed down for generations, often limiting men to rigid roles and unhealthy expectations, but thankfully, times are changing.
Men Shouldn’t Show Emotion
For too long, men have been told that showing emotions is a sign of weakness, and phrases like “man up” or “boys don’t cry” have been used to reinforce the idea that men should always be stoic and tough. Today, more men are realising that it’s okay to express their feelings openly.
Real Men Don’t Ask for Help
The belief that men should never ask for help is another outdated idea that’s finally being challenged. The pressure to solve every problem on your own can feel overwhelming and isolating, whether it’s struggling with a personal issue or needing assistance with work, and no one should be expected to handle everything alone.
Men Have to Be the Sole Providers
For generations, men were expected to provide financially while women took care of the home, but nowadays, families often rely on dual incomes, and many women are thriving in their careers. Men are finally embracing the idea that they don’t need to shoulder all the financial responsibility.
Men Should Always Be Dominant
There’s been a longstanding belief that men should always be in control or dominant, whether in relationships, at work, or in social situations. This idea has perpetuated unhealthy power dynamics and led to toxic behaviours—but dominance doesn’t equate to strength, and more men are learning that true leadership often involves collaboration.
Men Shouldn’t Care About Their Appearance
The notion that only women care about how they look has kept many men from investing in their appearance. Grooming and fashion were often seen as unmanly pursuits, but this idea is fading, as now men are more comfortable taking pride in how they present themselves, whether that means skincare, personal style, or fitness.
Men Don’t Do Housework
For years, household chores were considered “women’s work,” leaving men off the hook when it came to cleaning, cooking, and other domestic tasks. This outdated division of labour no longer holds up, especially in households where both partners work full-time.
Men Have to Love Sports
Not every man is obsessed with football, cricket, or rugby, and that’s perfectly fine. The pressure for men to love sports and know everything about them has been a key marker of traditional masculinity for years, but being a man doesn’t have to include memorising player stats or watching every game.
Men Shouldn’t Talk About Mental Health
For too long, discussing mental health has been stigmatised, particularly for men, as the belief that men should be able to “tough it out” has caused many to suffer in silence. However, more men are speaking openly about their mental health struggles and seeking therapy or other forms of support.
Men Must Always Be Handy
Whether it’s a leaky tap or a car engine, the belief that men should be able to fix everything, is another stereotype many are moving away from. While it’s great to have practical skills, not every man is a born handyman, and that’s okay.
Men Should Keep Their Feelings to Themselves
Men have long been taught that sharing personal thoughts and feelings is not something they should do, and as a result, this has led to many men feeling emotionally distant in their relationships. Today, more men are opening up and recognising the importance of emotional intimacy with friends, family, and partners.
Men Shouldn’t Be Stay-at-Home Dads
The image of the stay-at-home dad has been traditionally seen as unmanly, with society expecting men to prioritise their careers over child-rearing, but now many men are happily embracing the role of primary caregiver, allowing their partners to pursue careers or simply sharing parental duties more equally. The outdated idea that men can’t thrive as stay-at-home dads is quickly being dismissed.
Men Don’t Do “Women’s Jobs”
Jobs in nursing, teaching, caregiving, and other traditionally female-dominated fields have been seen as off-limits for men due to gender stereotypes; fortunately, more men are breaking into these industries and realising that these jobs can be just as rewarding. The gender divide in professions is shrinking.
Men Shouldn’t Talk About Their Bodies
Body image concerns have historically been considered a “women’s issue,” but men struggle with them too. However, talking about body positivity has often been taboo for men, yet more are willing to talk openly about their insecurities—whether it’s weight, hair loss, or muscle definition.
Men Shouldn’t Cry
The belief that crying is unmanly is deeply ingrained in many cultures, where men have been conditioned to hold back tears, even in moments of extreme stress or sadness. But suppressing natural emotions like crying can be harmful in the long run.
Men Should Always Be Physically Strong
Physical strength has long been a symbol of masculinity, with men often feeling pressure to be strong and muscular, but the truth is, not every man fits that mould, and that’s perfectly fine. Many men are now rejecting the idea that their worth is tied to their physical strength and are focusing on being healthy and fit in ways that work for their individual bodies.
Men Must Be Aggressive to Get Ahead
More men are realising that they don’t need to be aggressive to achieve success. Qualities like empathy, patience, and collaboration are proving to be equally valuable, if not more so, and the idea that men need to be aggressive or cutthroat to succeed has been an incorrect notion in business and life.
Men Should Always Be Heterosexual
Society has long enforced the idea that “real men” are heterosexual, creating stigma and pressure for those who don’t fit that expectation. Thankfully, attitudes towards sexual orientation are improving, and men are increasingly comfortable being open about their identities, whatever they may be.
Men Shouldn’t Enjoy “Feminine” Activities
For a long time, activities like cooking, dancing, or even enjoying a rom-com have been labelled as feminine, and therefore “unmanly,” leaving men who enjoyed these activities often feeling the need to downplay their interests. But now, men are confidently embracing what they genuinely like, regardless of gendered stereotypes.
Men Must Always Be the Protector
Lastly, putting pressure on a man to always be the protector or defender, especially in relationships, has been a cornerstone of traditional masculinity. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to look out for loved ones, the expectation that men must always take on the role of protector can be exhausting and unnecessary.