Show, Don't Tell: The Formation of Masculinity

Young men learn and develop their masculinity through direct experiences and interactions with adult men, highlighting the value of 'show, don't tell' in this formative process. The presence of male teachers, particularly in middle and high schools, plays a crucial role in this development, as they are more likely to mentor students through coaching and leading after-school activities, thus fostering a hands-on approach to masculinity. The decline in the proportion of male teachers, from one in three in the 1980s to 23 percent now, signals a potential gap in the effective, experiential learning that is essential for boys. This underscores the importance of having male role models in educational settings to facilitate healthy masculinity formation.