Is there a macho man myth in todays society?

Essay by Anonymous UserCollege, UndergraduateB+, January 1996

download word file, 5 pages 4.5

Men are in trouble in today's society. The question has sometimes been asked, is there a macho-man stereotype plaguing today's man?, an invisible boundary keeping men back, forcing them to conform with society's expectations. A stereotype ridiculing those who dare disobey the imaginary commandments they are set to follow. The purpose of this essay is to shed light on the fact that a macho-man stereotype does exist, and to discuss it's development into our society. Before we can further discuss any stereotype we must define the meaning of one.

Stereotypes are a form of normative analysis, or way of thinking. They define "what should be," rather than "what actually is." Normative analysis does not explain the real world but lead to predictions and expectations about it, these predictions and expectations are what we call stereotypes.

The question, "What is the macho-man stereotype?" must be answered before an further discussion is considered.

This is a very difficult question to answer because many people may have many different answers. But in essence, it is almost a set of rules males are expected to abide by. These rules can change from generation to generation, but in today's society mainly focus on two main issues, male dominance in the work place and their expected physical statures. The macho-man myth is a stereotype and therefore is the expectations of society. The origins of stereotypes, especially the macho-man myth have evolved from the beginning of basic society

Stemming back to the beginning of even the most primitive cultures, sociologists have clear documented record of male dominance. Males were the aggressive hunters and warriors of almost every civilized society. The women boor the women and made food and clothing for the tribe or clan. Some could even dare to say that the male has evolved into the...