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

 Culture

Writ by Jesse Lee

Culture refers to the shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that characterize a group or society. It encompasses everything from:

• language

• religion

• and social habits 

to

•  music

•  art

•  and cuisine

Culture is learned and transmitted from one generation to the next through socialization and can vary widely across different regions and ethnic groups.

 Self-identity Characteristics

Writ by Jesse Lee

Self-identity refers to an individual's perception of themselves, including their beliefs, values, personality traits, and experiences. It is the understanding of oneself as a unique individual, distinct from others. Self-identity can be influenced by a variety of factors, including

cultural and societal norms

personal experiences

relationships with others

and personal choices.

Correlation with self refers to the relationship between an individual's self-identity and their sense of self. This correlation can be positive or negative, depending on the level of congruence between an individual's self-identity and their sense of self.

When an individual's self-identity aligns with their sense of self, they are likely to experience feelings of confidence and self-esteem.

However, when there is a disconnect between an individual's self-identity and their sense of self, it can lead to feelings of confusion, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

 Identity can be shaped by various factors such as:

• genetics

Genetics: Genetics is the study of genes, heredity, and genetic variation in living organisms. It involves the study of how traits are passed down from parents to their offspring through genes.

Genes are segments of DNA that contain instructions for building proteins, which are responsible for many functions in the body.

Genetic factors can influence a wide range of traits, including physical characteristics, personality traits, and susceptibility to certain diseases.

• environment

Environment: Environment refers to all the external factors that can influence an organism's development and behavior.

• 
  

This includes physical factors such as temperature, light, and sound, as well as social and cultural factors such as:

• family dynamics,

•  social norms

• and economic conditions.

Environmental factors can have a significant impact on an individual's physical and mental health, as well as their:

• cognitive abilities

•  and overall well-being.

• culture

Culture: Culture refers to the shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that characterize a group or society.

Culture is transmitted from one generation to the next through socialization and can have a profound impact on an individual's identity and worldview. Cultural factors can influence everything from an individual's communication style to their attitudes toward health care.

• upbringing

Upbringing: Upbringing refers to the way in which an individual is raised by their parents or caregivers. This includes the values, beliefs, and behaviors that are instilled in them during childhood and adolescence.

Upbringing can have a lasting impact on an individual's personality traits, cognitive abilities, and social skills.

• and personal experiences

• Personal experiences: Personal experiences refer to the unique events and circumstances that an individual encounters throughout their life. These experiences can shape an individual's:

•  personality

• beliefs

• and attitudes

toward themselves and others. Positive experiences such as:

• success

•  or love 

• 
  

can foster:

•  confidence

•  and self-esteem

 while negative experiences such as:

•  trauma

•  or abuse

can lead to emotional distress.