Gavin Howe
Despite laws designed to protect women's rights, gender inequality remains prevalent worldwide. Cultural hierarchies, religious mandates, and local traditions often supersede formal legislation, as those in power—typically men—enforce their own methods of justice. This has resulted in discriminatory laws and customs that govern women's property, labor, and bodies, often written and enforced by men to serve their interests. While countries are increasingly recognizing gender equality in their constitutions, many still uphold laws that prevent women from achieving equal status. These inequalities are manifested in various ways, such as different marriageable ages for men and women in Japan, restrictions on women's mobility and consent in Yemen, and the challenge of obtaining US citizenship for children born out of wedlock. Additionally, honor killings are protected by Egyptian law, and India's laws fail to adequately address marital rape and domestic violence. These examples highlight the complex relationship between law and gender equality, raising questions about the role of men in promoting positive change.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sentimentality | Being sentimental is human and thoughtful. |
| Connection | Making personal connections is important and makes others feel valued. |
| Positivity | A gentleman does not contribute negativity. |
| Individuality | A gentleman does not follow trends but focuses on what matters to him. |
| Gender Equality | Men and women should be treated as equals. |
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What You'll Learn
- The law often treats men's experiences and perspectives as the norm
- Cultural hierarchies, religious mandates, and local traditions can supersede laws protecting women's rights
- Masculinity and its potential for toxicity
- Sentimentality and personal connections
- Online trends and their influence on behaviour
The law often treats men's experiences and perspectives as the norm
While there are laws in place to protect women's rights, gender inequality remains pervasive in society. The law often treats men's experiences and perspectives as the norm, and women are forced to appeal to men's decision-making on issues concerning their own well-being. For instance, in Saudi Arabia, all females are legally controlled for their entire lives by male guardians, a practice rooted in tribal traditions rather than Islamic law.
Women's movements have targeted discriminatory policies and practices in various domains, including employment, family, reproduction, and sexuality. Despite these efforts, gender inequality persists in the workplace, with a majority of Americans acknowledging the need for continued changes to achieve equality. Women often face barriers to entering jobs typically held by men, including harassment and political maneuvering to keep them out of certain fields. Additionally, employers may treat all women as if they fit certain stereotypes, hindering their career prospects.
The legal system also reflects biases in the application of standards and doctrines. For example, the "reasonable woman standard" has gained little acceptance in torts, indicating a lack of consideration for women's perspectives and experiences. In contrast, the "reasonable person standard" holds prominence in tort doctrine, potentially overlooking the unique circumstances and understandings of different cultural groups.
Furthermore, men's experiences and perspectives have traditionally shaped laws and customs governing women's property, labor, and bodies, often in ways that favor men's interests. This dynamic contributes to a perception among women that men receive more favorable treatment in society. While attitudes towards gender equality have evolved over time, with a growing recognition of the need for change, full equality between men and women remains elusive.
Despite these challenges, there are calls for men to embrace positive behaviors and connections with others. Articles on the "laws of manhood" encourage men to focus on what matters to them as individuals, rather than latching onto fleeting trends. Emphasizing sentimentality, personal connections, and taking action based on values over popularity are some of the positive attributes associated with masculinity.
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Cultural hierarchies, religious mandates, and local traditions can supersede laws protecting women's rights
Despite laws designed to protect women's rights, gender inequality persists in most parts of the world. Cultural hierarchies, religious mandates, and local traditions often take precedence over national laws, as the leaders of these systems enforce their own brand of justice. These systems are predominantly controlled by men, who write and enforce laws and customs governing women's property, labor, and bodies in a way that serves their interests.
For instance, in Saudi Arabia, female guardianship laws are not derived from Islamic law but rather from Saudi tribal traditions. These laws dictate that all females are legally controlled by male guardians for their entire lives. Similarly, in Argentina, Pope Francis' home country, abortion is legal in cases of rape or when the woman's health is at risk. However, women seeking legal abortions are often forced underground due to medical and judicial systems heavily influenced by the Catholic Church.
The underrepresentation of women in positions of power further exacerbates the issue. As of 2018, there were only nine female elected heads of state globally, and women held only about 20% of seats in national parliaments. Additionally, women comprise less than 10% of police forces, fewer than 30% of judges, and approximately 25% of prosecutors worldwide.
The intersection of legal systems and power structures often creates barriers to women's rights. Correspondents from The GroundTruth Project reported from various countries, including Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, and Thailand, highlighting how cultural, religious, and traditional norms can supersede national laws meant to protect women. Despite changing norms in some places, women are still barred from the clergy in many religions, perpetuating gender inequality.
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Masculinity and its potential for toxicity
Masculinity has been criticised for its potential to be toxic, overbearing, and to corrupt the dominance hierarchy. Toxic masculinity refers to traditional cultural masculine norms that can be harmful to men, women, and society as a whole. It is defined by adherence to traditional male gender roles that stigmatise and limit the emotions boys and men may express, while elevating other emotions such as anger. It is characterised by toughness, anti-femininity, and power. Men are expected to be strong, aggressive, and emotionally hardened, rejecting all feminine traits, including emotion, accepting help, and domesticity. They are also expected to seek dominance in their romantic, work, and social life, and to demand unearned loyalty and respect. This can lead to serious personal, occupational, and legal consequences, including domestic and social conflict, and bullying towards marginalised groups.
Toxic masculinity is not inherent to masculinity itself, but rather to certain behaviours and ways of thinking often associated with masculinity. It is a multifaceted term that describes harmful masculinity, or a set of social guidelines associated with manliness that negatively impact men, women, and society. It is not meant to imply that masculinity is inherently bad but rather to point out that certain aspects of hegemonic masculinity are socially destructive, such as misogyny, homophobia, and violent domination. These traits are considered toxic due to their promotion of violence, including sexual assault and domestic violence, and can lead to aggression and violence when a man feels he has failed to live up to societal expectations of masculinity.
The cultural pressure to fulfil this masculine template can lead men into problems, including mental health issues such as depression, increased stress, and substance use disorders. Men are taught to ignore asking for help as it could show fragility and provoke ridicule, and the stifling of emotional expression can make it less likely for men to seek psychological help or deal with difficult emotions. This can also contribute to shorter lifespans, a greater incidence of violent death, and ailments such as lung cancer and cirrhosis of the liver.
However, it is important to note that not all toxic behaviours in men are caused by toxic masculinity, and that the concept of toxic masculinity has been criticised by some as an undue condemnation of traditional masculinity, or as an incoherent concept. Additionally, some traditionally masculine traits, such as devotion to work, pride in excelling at sports, and providing for one's family, are not considered toxic.
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Sentimentality and personal connections
While the idea of masculinity has been criticized for its potential toxicity, over-bearing nature, and dominance in recent times, there are certain attributes that are deemed positive and are encouraged. One such trait is sentimentality and the ability to form personal connections.
Being sentimental is an important aspect of forming personal connections and making others feel valued and special. It involves taking the time to reach out to someone in person, writing a handwritten note, or sending a thoughtful gift. These acts of sentimentality demonstrate a gentleman's thoughtfulness and humanity.
In an era where it is increasingly easy to connect with others through digital means, such as social media platforms, it is important to avoid taking shortcuts in fostering relationships. Instead of relying solely on digital communication, a true gentleman will pick up the phone, write a letter, or make an effort to greet someone in person.
While participating in online trends and hashtags can be tempting, a gentleman's actions should be dictated by what is right, rather than what is popular or trendy. By focusing on their values and priorities as a man, father, friend, or husband, they can ensure that their actions are aligned with their true selves, fostering genuine and meaningful connections.
Additionally, a gentleman's words and actions should contribute positively to the energy of those around them. Cowardly acts of negativity, such as disparaging others behind a screen, should be avoided. Instead, a gentleman should strive to amplify positive messages and contribute to a more uplifting environment for those around them.
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Online trends and their influence on behaviour
The internet and technological developments have transformed the way people interact and behave. With the emergence of online forums, chat rooms, and social media platforms, individuals now have a louder voice and a broader reach than ever before. This shift in communication dynamics has led to a focus on "online trends" and their influence on behaviour.
Online trends refer to popular behaviours, topics, or activities that gain widespread attention and engagement on the internet. These trends can emerge and spread rapidly across various online platforms, influencing the behaviours and actions of internet users. For example, the rise of short-form video platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels has led to a surge in users creating and sharing creative, engaging content. This trend has influenced user behaviour, encouraging individuals to express themselves through video formats and connect with others through shared trends and challenges.
The influence of online trends on behaviour is significant. Firstly, online trends can shape people's actions and decisions. For instance, user-generated content and online reviews strongly influence consumers' purchase decisions, with 82% of consumers more likely to buy a product after seeing positive user-generated content. Secondly, online trends can impact self-expression and creativity. The availability of various online platforms encourages individuals to express themselves and share their interests, talents, and opinions with a global audience. This can foster a sense of community and belonging, especially when individuals connect with others who share similar passions or experiences.
However, it is important to note that the influence of online trends on behaviour is not always positive. While trends can inspire creativity and self-expression, they can also lead to negative behaviours or bandwagon effects. Some individuals may feel pressured to conform to the latest trends to fit in or gain social acceptance. Additionally, the ease of online interactions can lead to a lack of authenticity and meaningful connections. As Phil Rosen points out, participating in online trends may provide a sense of fun and coolness, but it does not necessarily make one a "good man." He emphasizes the importance of taking action based on personal values rather than fleeting trends.
Furthermore, online trends can also spread misinformation and promote harmful behaviours. The rapid spread of information on social media can lead to the dissemination of false or misleading content, impacting individuals' behaviours and decision-making. Additionally, the anonymity provided by online platforms can encourage negative behaviours, such as cyberbullying or trolling.
To conclude, online trends have a substantial influence on behaviour. They can shape purchasing decisions, enhance self-expression, and foster creativity. However, it is essential to approach online trends with discernment, prioritizing personal values and ethical considerations. As the internet continues to evolve, individuals must strike a balance between embracing positive trends and maintaining their authenticity and integrity.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some examples of laws that have stood in the way of gender equality:
- In India, unless the wife is under 15 years old, sexual acts between a man and his wife cannot be considered rape.
- Egyptian law protects honor killings. If the husband catches his wife committing adultery and kills her, the law states that he will be punished with detention instead of stricter penalties prescribed for other murders.
- In Yemen, wives are required to have "legitimate intercourse" with their husbands and are also required to obey and refrain from leaving their homes without their husband's permission.
- In Saudi Arabia, a fatwa (Islamic ruling) states that women should not drive as it could lead to the removal of the hijab, interactions with men, and "taboo" acts.
Cultural hierarchies, religious mandates, and local traditions often supersede government laws and contribute to gender inequality. These powerful systems, largely run by men, enforce their own methods of procuring justice, which often favor male interests and detriment women's rights and interests.
Women face various challenges when seeking legal justice, especially in cases involving sexual harassment. They may encounter male lawyers who are reluctant to believe their claims, making it difficult to obtain legal representation. Additionally, gender bias and a lack of female representation in the legal system can hinder women's experiences from being understood and addressed effectively.
Moving towards a more equitable society requires ensuring that women and girls have equal opportunities to thrive. This includes addressing discriminatory laws, eliminating gender bias in legal systems, and empowering women to make their own decisions. By promoting gender equality in constitutions and legal frameworks, we can create a more just world.
Being a good man entails taking the initiative to connect with others in meaningful ways. Sending handwritten letters, making personal phone calls, and expressing sentimentality are all ways to foster valuable and thoughtful connections. Additionally, focusing on one's values rather than fleeting trends demonstrates integrity and character.
