Masculinity

Masculinity (also called manhood or manliness) is a set of attributes, behaviors, and roles commonly associated with boys and men. Any gender can exhibit masculine traits and behavior. Those exhibiting both masculine and feminine characteristics can be considered androgynous.

Women can also express masculine traits and behaviors. In Western culture, female masculinity has been codified into identities such as "tomboy" and "butch". Although female masculinity is often associated with lesbianism, expressing masculinity is not necessarily related to a person's sexuality. In feminist philosophy, female masculinity is often characterized as a type of gender performance which challenges traditional masculinity and patriarchy.

The phrase "toxic masculinity" refers to certain masculine cultural norms that are associated with harm to society, such as the social pressures placed upon men to be violent, competitive, independent, and unfeeling.

Examples of masculinity in modern Western culture

 * Muscular bodies are considered masculine, as well as body movements and postures that "take up space".
 * A flat chest is considered masculine.
 * Short hair on the head is considered masculine.
 * Trousers, suits, bowties and neckties are considered masculine.