Men, Emotions, and Cultural Shifts
In the 20th century, Western men were taught that emotional restraint was synonymous with strength. From the stoic ideal of the "strong, silent type" to the emotional challenges posed by war, sports, and work, men were often expected to suppress their feelings. But over time, cultural shifts and modern psychology began to redefine masculinity and open the door to emotional intelligence. Discover how historical events, societal norms, and emerging ideas shaped men’s emotional journeys—and how Emotion Made Simple and HERT now offer tools for emotional mastery. Learn more at MindCare.Quest.
October 18, 2024 Written by Dr Rudy Wietfeldt 0 Comments
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Throughout the 20th century, men in the Western world were largely taught to suppress their emotions, often equating masculinity with stoicism, self-reliance, and emotional control. From the Great Depression to the rise of Hollywood's "strong, silent type," cultural forces shaped how boys and men were expected to behave emotionally, often to the detriment of their mental health and the detriment of their relationships.
Early 20th Century: Emotional Restraint as Strength
The early 1900s saw men inheriting a Victorian ideal of emotional restraint. Boys were given traditional toys—such as toy soldiers and model planes—that reinforced ideals of bravery and toughness. Organized sports further encouraged boys to “play through the pain,” teaching them that showing emotion was a sign of weakness. This training continued into adulthood, where men were expected to endure hardships like the Great Depression in silence.
World Wars and Emotional Suppression
Both World Wars intensified the demand for emotional control. Soldiers returning from war were expected to suppress the psychological traumas they experienced, contributing to the image of the emotionally-impervious man. Men were often socialized in organized sports and later the military, where emotional detachment was linked to toughness, success, and even survival.
Post-War Boom and the Rise of the ‘Strong, Silent Type’
During the post-war era, icons like John Wayne cemented the image of the emotionally distant man. In the workplace and the military, emotional expression was seen as unprofessional or weak, further discouraging men from engaging with their feelings. This pattern of emotional suppression often led to isolation and unaddressed mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and addictions and relationship strain.
Changing Views on Masculinity and Emotions
By the 1990s, the conversation around men’s emotions began to shift. Terms like "toxic masculinity" and "emotional intelligence" gained prominence, challenging traditional notions of stoicism. Mental health campaigns encouraged men to see vulnerability as a strength, and the importance of emotional regulation began to emerge as key to well-being. These campaigns have helped open dialogue, but they've also introduced confusion. Vulnerability as a strength? Really?
A New Approach: Emotion as a Guiding Force
At MindCare, we believe that men no longer need to suppress their emotions to be strong. Through the Homeostatic Emotion Regulation Theory (HERT) and the Emotion Made Simple course, men now have the tools to understand and use their emotions effectively. Emotions were designed to be powerful guides, helping men regulate their mental and emotional health and fostering resilience in all aspects of life.
For a deeper dive into these ideas and to learn more about HERT and how men can reclaim their emotional lives, check out the full post on MindCare.Quest.
If you’re ready to start your journey toward emotional mastery, visit our Emotion Made Simple course for practical tools to better understand and regulate your emotions without all the overwhelm and confusion.
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