The Masculine Straight Jacket: Men's Perceptions of Masculinity Hasn't Changed in 50 Years

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Girls and women have made significant progress in challenging traditional gender roles, but the same cannot be said for boys and men. A recent survey showed that boys' perception of male characteristics has changed very little over the past 50 years. The patriarchal idea of power, invulnerability, and independence still dominates. We must work towards breaking free from the restrictive expectations of masculinity.

Writer Ben James and his wife Oona are raising their sons in a progressive and “queer-friendly” New England town. They actively encourage the boys to be themselves, never mind those traditional gender norms around “masculinity” and “femininity.” All was well. Until the elder son, Huck, went to sixth grade. Story by Ben James, with hosts Celeste Headlee and John Biewen, and psychologist Terrence Real.

Music by Alex Weston, Evgueni and Sacha Galperine, Blue Dot Sessions, and Kevin MacLeod. Music and production help from Joe Augustine at Narrative Music.