Masculine Stereotypes

Introduction

Looking critically at different ideological approaches to justice used in Canada, specific traits that are deemed inherently ‘masculine’ or ‘feminine’ are widely at play. The Canadian legal system has historically been dominated almost exclusively by masculine ideologies, with an emphasis on punishment and a focus on rational and consistent thought. Canada’s current legal climate has seen the implementation of a number of new approaches to justice, many with new ideological bases. This paper will consider both the masculine and feminine ideological approaches to justice that are at work in the Canadian justice system, and study the dominance of either one over the other throughout time. An important feature to note going forward

Stereotypes about gender consist of philosophies about psychological and personality traits for men and women, including their interests and preferences (Brannon, 1976). There is no specific period of time that has been noted as the creation or implementation of gender stereotypes or roles, as social constructs these ideas are constantly evolving as society does. Our society currently views masculine norms very similarly to the traditional male stereotypes. Men are viewed as active, independent, coarse, and strong (Brannon, 2005), the opposite of women who exist as being passive, dependent, pure, refined, and delicate. These traditional stereotypes Connell dates back into 16th-century Europe and the changing social and religious climates of the time. Europe at this time was experiencing industrialization, world exploration, and civil wars, and these activities were associated with men, forming :”the basis for modern masculinity” (p. 163). In 1976, Robert Brannon described four themes of a concept he titled ‘the Male Sex Role’. The first of these themes is ‘No Sissy Stuff’, which is based on the rejection of all things feminine. ‘The Big Wheel’ is the second theme and is used the describe men’s quest for success and status, as well as their desire to be looked up to. ‘The Sturdy Oak’ is based on men’s air of toughness, confidence, and self-reliance. The final of Brannon’s themes is ‘Give Em Hell’ which reflects the acceptability of violence and aggression in men’s behaviour. Based on these four ‘pillars of manhood’ the closer that a person conforms to these characteristics Brannon believed that the closer that person would be to being socially accepted as a ‘real man’. Fitting into these themes leaves little room for creating relationships or exhibiting emotion. These ideas of relentless ‘dominance’ and ‘toughness’ are strong components of the masculine ideologies that are seen at