The Fragile Male

Abstract

Up to now, I have argued that boys are impelled towards some kind of masculine identity by great social and psychological forces. Many cultures demand it as an economic necessity: males are needed for hunting, war, the propagation of children, the protection of the tribe and the family. Thus there is a strong pressure on boys to separate from their mother, to break the ‘proto-feminine’ identity they have initially formed. Patriarchal society requires its infantry and its officers, who will regulate the exploitations essential to its survival, and in particular will keep women oppressed.