Masculinity Development, Gender Stereotypes, and Gender Equality

Abstract

This literature review focuses on how masculinity affects males’ health conditions, gender stereotypes, gender equality and whether alternative masculinity can replace current masculinity. Previous literature found negative outcomes of masculinity compared to positive ones. By discussing masculinity's negative effect, I propose that masculinity should be challenged for males’ good and to build the groundwork for development towards gender equality. I examine whether alternative masculinity is mature enough to replace current masculinity and suggest it could be seen as a progress of masculinity development. In the future, researchers could focus on challenging masculinity definition and identifying valuable traits for the development of masculinity to benefit both genders and gender equality.