In this article, we will focus on talking about Male psychology In love, social life, aggression, work and general life. We will analyze what qualities identify the male gender, what behaviors typically perform men, how the male identity has been developed and what have been the most influential factors.
When we analyze the human being become notorious a series of differences that allow us to distinguish between the psychology of man and woman. Each of the two genera has a number of both physical and psychological qualities.
If you want to know the characteristics of the psychology of women, Visit this article .
Despite the diversity we can find within the masculine gender, it is evident that when we try to define male sex, a series of genetic characteristics (both physical, psychic and behavioral) predominate.
However, if we make a quick review of the evolution of the human species in general, and of man in particular, it is connoted that the human being as a man has evolved over time.
Without going further, a scientific study published in the journal Journal of Anatomy Concluded that the parietal areas of the brain, located in the posterior region of the cerebral cortex, have developed remarkably since the early Homo sapiens .
This fact shows us that the human brain has been changing over time and therefore, the evolution of the human being as a species has had a great influence on the conformation of the masculine identity that we know today.
This means that the roles and behaviors that man has been making throughout his evolution, have had a great influence in the establishment of the cerebral structures and of the present psychic characteristics.
Focusing on these evolution of the masculine gender, it is evident that the fact that there are physical differences (marked by human genetics), have forced man as a species to develop a series of determined roles.
The roles developed by men since the beginning of their species are popularly known by all of us, and it contains a series of determined behaviors: to hunt to feed their family, to protect the weaker members of community, to fight against possible threats, etc. .
The accomplishment of these behaviors, directed to the own survival and the perduration of the species, was gradually forming the behavior pattern typical of the man, as well as his psychic, behavioral and personality configuration.
Thus, it should not surprise us that certain psychological characteristics, signs of identity, and behaviors typical of the man of the 21st century, are shared with those peculiarities that defined man in the beginnings of the human species.
Apart from the evolution of the human species, which has played a fundamental role in shaping current male identity, the process of socialization in a constantly changing environment, and where the differentiation between two different genres marks patterns of behavior since We are born, it has also had its influence.
Therefore, we could highlight three key aspects in the conformation of the current masculine identity: the genetic and biological aspects of man, the evolution of the male from the beginning of the human species, and the social and cultural construct to which Belongs.
10 Characteristics of Male Psychology
Next, we are going to review 10 characteristics, which in my opinion, are related to male psychology and define, in many cases, the behavioral patterns typical of the male sex.
1-Aggressiveness
According to a study by Pleck and Jurgenson in 2004, Male identity is associated with The aggressiveness .
Therefore we do not understand antisocial behavior with the intention of damaging the interests of others, but a greater predisposition than women to combat when it is considered necessary or adequate.
2-Competitiveness
Men have a greater tendency to build their interpersonal relationships through competitiveness.
Both aggressiveness and competitiveness can have their origin in the early stages of the human species, when man required his greater physical strength to perform these actions.
3-Protector
One of the basic needs of the male sex is protection. Due to the role that man has played throughout his evolution, being able to protect his own has become a basic requirement for shaping his identity.
4-Power
According to a study carried out by Lozoya in 19997, this is another sign of man's identity, shaped in the social and cultural context in which the male sex develops: to have and to exercise power.
5-Absence of expression of emotions
This typical aspect of men is strongly marked by stereotypes and the social functioning of the male gender.
Men do not have in their essence a range of emotions and inferior feelings that the women, but yes that they carry out a different management and execute a less expression of these aspects.
6-Obsession for work
Due to the stereotypes of the male sex and to the roles that man has developed during much of the existence of the human species, there is still a great intrinsic need to work as a show of power.
7-Adventurers and dominants
Typically, men are much more adventurous and dominant than women.
In fact, a review by Reddick in 2011, said that this aspect conforms a basic attitude of male identity.
8-Leadership
Men are more likely than women to adopt Leadership roles In social and interpersonal relationships.
The relationship stereotypes carried over for hundreds of years can be a fundamental factor for this fact.
9-Independence and freedom
Although this aspect has not been much studied during the last years, it is true that there is still a greater acceptance in the society of independence and freedom in men than in women.
10-Family
However, despite the"social norm"that could mark item 9, men are characterized by being highly familiar. Having a family of their own gives men a masculine identity.
What other psychological characteristics do you think men have?
References
- Paul T. Costa Jr., Antonio Terracciano, and Robert R. McCrae (2001). Gender Differences in Personality Traits Across Cultures: Robust and Surprising Findings . Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2001, Vol. 81, No. 2,322-331
- Pleck, Joseph and Álvarez Gayou Jurgenson, J. L"Perceptions and opinions on masculinity."Jerez City Council (2004)
- Reddick, R.J., Rochlen, A.B., Grasso, J.R., Reilly, E. D., & Spikes, D. D. (2011, April 18). Academic Fathers Pursuing Tenure: A Qualitative Study of Work-Family Conflict, Coping Strategies, and Departmental Culture. Psychology of Men & Masculinity . Advance online publication. Doi: 10.1037 / a0023206
- Image source 6.