New insights into masculinity and aggression
In a comprehensive examination of adolescent boys, researchers have found that those who strongly identify with traditional “manly” traits are more likely to engage in aggressive behavior or suffer from negative outcomes themselves. The study, conducted under The Men’s Project, analyzed data from 1,401 male participants and highlights a nuanced picture: while such traits correlate with higher risk in various contexts, they represent only a minority of the broader youth population.
The findings challenge a common stereotype that all boys who value toughness or stoic behavior will inevitably become aggressive. Instead, the data suggest that adherence to rigid masculine norms increases exposure to harmful dynamics for a subset of youths, even as most boys navigate adolescence without embracing those extremes.
What counts as “manly” in this study
Researchers defined traditional masculine traits as emphasis on dominance, physical strength, emotional control, competitiveness, and a tendency to avoid vulnerability. These traits were assessed through surveys that captured how strongly participants endorsed such norms and how they behaved in real-world situations. The link between these attitudes and aggressive outcomes became clearer when researchers looked at peer interactions, school settings, and social networks.
Crucially, the study found that endorsing masculine norms alone isn’t a predictor of trouble. The key factor is the intensity and rigidity with which those norms are held — a rigid mindset that leaves little room for alternative ways of expressing emotion or resolving conflict.
A minority, but a meaningful one
The data show that only a minority of the adolescent boys in the sample strongly identified with the most extreme masculine norms. However, within that minority, the likelihood of harming others — and of being harmed or ostracized by peers — rose significantly compared with peers who held more flexible views of gender roles. This pattern persisted even after adjusting for socioeconomic status, race, and family environment, suggesting that the relationship between masculine ideology and aggression operates across diverse groups.
Experts caution against overgeneralizing. Most boys who prize independence or grit do not become aggressors. The study’s authors emphasize that the harm associated with rigid masculine norms is often tied to social consequences—bullying, retaliation, and the policing of masculinity by peers—that can reinforce cycles of hurt on both sides of a conflict.
What this means for schools, families, and policy
Educational settings are a natural ground for addressing these patterns. Programs that foster emotional literacy, conflict resolution, and inclusive expressions of masculinity can help reduce harm without demonizing strength or resilience. For families, conversations that validate a range of emotions while discouraging aggression can create healthier pathways for adolescent boys to handle stress and frustration.
Policy implications include supporting school curricula and community programs that promote healthy masculinity. By presenting a broader spectrum of male role models and encouraging empathy, educators can lower the risk associated with rigid gender norms and reduce incidents of bullying and violence.
Moving beyond stereotypes
The study’s authors stress that masculinity is not inherently dangerous. Rather, rigid adherence to narrow definitions—especially in competitive or high-pressure environments—can contribute to harmful dynamics. The goal isn’t to erode masculine identity but to provide flexible, evidence-based approaches that allow young people to express themselves healthily and safely.
As the research community continues to probe how gender norms influence behavior, it’s clear that the path toward healthier adolescent development lies in expanding the ways boys can be “manly” while prioritizing safety, respect, and emotional well-being for all students.
