Are Men and Boys More or Less Masculine Than Their Ancestors?

Are men and boys more or less masculine than they were in previous generations? This is a difficult question that has been debated for decades. Let’s explore the evidence and arguments from both sides.

Modern Advantages and Comforts

On one hand, people today have it a lot easier compared to the past. Work is generally safer and less physically demanding. Homes are more comfortable, and most of us have access to better living conditions and healthcare than our predecessors. For instance, my own grandparents had to build their own log cabins and fend for themselves in unfamiliar environments, which is something our modern generation might not be capable of doing.

These advancements make us question whether we are less masculine than our ancestors. However, is that really the case? Shouldn’t we be thankful for the soft lifestyle that allows us to focus on intellectual growth and leisure activities rather than physical toil?

Softness vs. Masculinity

Some might argue that men and boys today are less macho and more gentlemanly, leading to a kinder and gentler society with less violence and conflict. My son, who is 19, engages in activities like hiking, rock climbing, and basketball without the accompanying alcohol consumption, fighting, and legal troubles that were common in his father's youth. I am fine with this shift in behavior, as it reflects an evolution in societal norms.

On the other hand, some might be skeptical. They argue that the world is full of grumpy old men who are prone to complain about the youth. Ancient Roman men, for example, complained about the softness of their youth, suggesting that old men have always expressed similar concerns.

Historical Evidence of Masculine Complaints

The historical record supports this skepticism. Old men in ancient Rome, like Seneca, recommended dancing in an old-fashioned way to maintain virility. He condemned "modern sinuous mincing which is more voluptuous than a soft woman's." Similarly, the philosopher Epictetus criticized young men for shaving their faces, saying, "What can show that a man is a man more than a fair countenance? If a man has a face worth looking at, and if he has beard without hair, he is a rasping champion of his fatherland. Let him pluck up his hair to show his courage, and let him wear a beard like a pancake. If he wishes to be known neither as a pancake nor as a man, let him let himself alone." These comments reflect the pattern of older generations questioning the masculinity of younger ones.

Declining Testosterone Levels

It’s important to note that while old men have historically complained about the softness of the youth, there is evidence of actual changes in physical characteristics and physiological traits. Scientific studies have shown that men’s testosterone levels have been declining over the years. A 2007 study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism revealed a "substantial" drop in U.S. men’s testosterone levels since the 1980s, with average levels declining by about 1% per year. This suggests that men today may be less physically robust than their predecessors.

Another study of Danish men produced similar findings, with double-digit declines among men born in the 1960s compared to those born in the 1920s. Furthermore, an article from Forbes cites evidence that we do less manual labor than our forebears, along with problems like industrial pollutants and changes in diet, which could contribute to lower testosterone levels.

A 2016 study found that the average 20- to 34-year-old man could apply 98 pounds of force with a right-handed grip, down from 117 pounds by a man of the same age in 1985. While grip strength is not necessarily a proxy for overall fitness, it is a strong predictor of future mortality.

Conclusion: A Moderate Position

While the evidence supports the idea that men today may be softer in some respects, it’s important to take a moderate position. The human species as a whole is likely getting softer, adapting to machine-based and technologically advanced societies. However, when older men criticize the youth, their accusations often lack nuance. They are not considering how technology and societal changes have influenced human life and behavior.

Ultimately, the question of masculinity is complex and multifaceted. While the physical characteristics of men may be changing, societal attitudes and values are also evolving, leading to a more balanced and gentle approach to masculinity in modern times.