Many people consider masculinity an inner essence or set of specific personality traits that define manhood. Psychology Professor Michael Addis has a different understanding. His research indicates masculinity is a performance one makes to reinforce gender in alignment with societal and cultural norms.

“There's no doubt that many of the things that boys and men have been taught to do to perform their masculinity can be harmful to themselves and to people of other genders as well,” says Addis.

Men who avoid being vulnerable in their relationships to appear masculine can live for decades with no emotional support, he says. Increased isolation could contribute to rising suicide rates among U.S. men ages 40 to 55.

“There's a whole range of positive experiences related to emotional awareness, intimacy, and connections with other people,” says Addis. “All of these things are helped by letting go of the pressure to be a certain way because of your gender.”

Challenge. Change. is produced by Andrew Hart and Melissa Hanson for Clark University. Listen and subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Find other episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.