Fathers
serve as models for their sons’
masculinity
, shaping their
views, identities, and behaviors
, according to a new study.
The
study
in Sex Roles revealed an intergenerational connection between a father’s perspective on masculinity and his son’s, showing that fathers who express more traditional masculine traits typically have sons who are even more traditional. Levels of religiosity in the father increased the connection.
PARENTS MUST FIGHT BACK AGAINST JOE BIDEN’S DESIGNS ON ‘ALL OUR CHILDREN’
When asked about factors like the significance of work and social status, showing emotions, being self-reliant, dominance, and heterosexuality, fathers and sons tended to correlate on their ideologies.
The study, which used Australian data from 839 men aged 15 to 20 and their fathers, maintains that while the finding is “intuitive,” there was no practical evidence to show the connection.
Such a connection also highlights the importance of having fathers present to raise their sons. While the study is published in a self-described “feminist” journal, where definitions of what constitutes “healthy masculinity” can vary, it does amplify programs aimed at engaging fathers in their parenting responsibilities.
As the Washington Examiner
reported
, polling of the public shows society downgrades the contributions fathers bring to the home and the raising of their children.
A dulling of a stricter traditional view of gender roles among married couples with children, and more parity between earnings of husbands and wives, can open the door for men to be present fathers to their sons, Dr. Wendy Wang, director of research at the Institute for Family Studies, said.
Moreover, data from the U.S. Adult Sexual Behaviors and Attitudes
show
higher self-perceptions of masculinity “lies at the heart of productive, contributive manhood,” according to Dr. Jame L. McQuivey, a consumer behaviorist, in a piece for the Institute for Family Studies.
Men who consider themselves to be more masculine generally have higher incomes, higher achieved levels of education, greater religiosity, and a heightened sense of life satisfaction, according to McQuivey.
Masculine men are also more likely to marry, feel loved in their marriage, seek a deep emotional connection with their wives, and remain faithful to them.
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While the Sex Roles study claims “traditional models of masculinity” are “characterized by beliefs in male superiority and endorsement of risky or violent behaviors,” in contrast with “more progressive stances,” McQuivey points out that the risk-taking trait is a key part of achieving successful relationships, as well as exercising self-control, which is another characteristic in which masculine men rate highly.
“As a society, we would be wise to accept the positive power of masculinity and continue to channel its energy into productive outcomes,” McQuivey wrote.
