Masculinity trends from the 1950s-2020s

Written by Jesse Lee AKA Oregonleatherboy

To give some perspective on how masculinity has changed over time. Broken down per decade from the 1950s through 2020s. Using the correlates of decade, definitions, trends, meaning, cultures, health and style.

Decade	Definition	Trends	Meaning	Cultures	Health	Style
1950s	Breadwinner, stoic, strong, tough, provider	Traditional gender roles, emphasis on physical strength and achievement	Conformity, duty, responsibility	Masculinity as a social status	High rates of heart disease, suicide, and substance abuse	Traditional masculine fashion, such as suits and ties
1960s	Rebellious, anti-establishment, questioning authority	Counterculture movement, emphasis on individual freedom and expression	Existentialism, authenticity, self-discovery	Masculinity as a personal journey	Improved rates of heart disease and suicide, but increased rates of substance abuse	More casual and individualistic fashion
1970s	Sensitive, expressive, emotional	Men's liberation movement, emphasis on breaking down traditional gender roles	Emotional intelligence, vulnerability, authenticity	Masculinity as a spectrum	Continued improvement in heart disease and suicide rates, but continued high rates of substance abuse	More casual and diverse fashion, including jeans, T-shirts, and athletic wear
1980s	Competitive, aggressive, successful	Yuppies, emphasis on wealth, power, and status	Materialism, individualism, ambition	Masculinity as a performance	Increased rates of heart disease and suicide, but decreased rates of substance abuse	Macho fashion, such as shoulder pads, power suits, and designer labels
1990s	Confident, assertive, successful	Metrosexuals, emphasis on grooming and fashion	Self-awareness, authenticity, personal style	Masculinity as a choice	Improved rates of heart disease and suicide, and continued decrease in substance abuse	More diverse and individualized fashion, including tailored suits, designer jeans, and athletic wear
2000s	Egalitarian, supportive, balanced	New Man, emphasis on emotional intelligence and work-life balance	Relationships, family, community	Masculinity as a partnership	Continued improvement in heart disease and suicide rates, and further decrease in substance abuse	More casual and comfortable fashion, including jeans, T-shirts, and sneakers
2010s	Inclusive, diverse, authentic	Man Enough, emphasis on being true to oneself	Self-acceptance, vulnerability, authenticity	Masculinity as a journey	Continued improvement in heart disease and suicide rates, and very low rates of substance abuse	More diverse and inclusive fashion, including clothes that are comfortable and expressive
2020s	Purpose-driven, compassionate, mindful	Modern Man, emphasis on finding meaning and purpose in life	Wholeness, authenticity, self-care	Masculinity as a force for good	Continued improvement in all health metrics, and a focus on mental and emotional well-being	Fashion that is sustainable, ethical, and reflective of one's values