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Cited by 871Gender Roles and Identity StudiesGender and Feminist StudiesSocial and Intergroup Psychology

Hard won and easily lost: a review and synthesis of theory and research on precarious manhood

Vandello, Joseph A., Bosson, Jennifer K.·2013·Psychology of Men & Masculinity
DOI 10.1037/a0029826
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Abstract

This article reviews evidence that manhood is seen as a precarious social status that is both difficult to achieve and tenuously held. Compared with womanhood, which is typically viewed as resulting from a natural, permanent, and biological developmental transition, manhood must be earned and maintained through publicly verifiable actions. Because of this, men experience more anxiety over their gender status than women do, particularly when gender status is uncertain or challenged. This can motivate a variety of risky and maladaptive behaviors, as well as the avoidance of behaviors that might otherwise prove adaptive and beneficial. We review research on the implications of men's precarious gender status across the domains of risk-taking, aggression, stress and mental health, and work–life balance. We further consider how work on precarious manhood differs from, and can add to, work on individual differences in men's gender role conflict. In summary, the precarious manhood hypothesis can integrate and explain a wide range of male behaviors and phenomena related to the male gender role.

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Authors
Vandello, J. A., & Bosson, J. K.
Affiliations
University of South Florida (US)
ORCID
Venue
Psychology of Men & Masculinity
Publisher
American Psychological Association (APA)
Published
2013-04
Volume
14
Issue
2
Pages
101-113
ISSN
  • 1524-9220 (ISSN-L)
  • 1939-151X
DOI
10.1037/a0029826
OpenAlex
W2078742653
Cited by
871
References
122
Citations by year
2026: 81 · 2025: 101 · 2024: 79 · 2023: 98 · 2022: 68 · 2021: 92 · 2020: 104 · 2019: 59 · 2018: 60 · 2017: 26 · 2016: 38 · 2015: 42 · 2014: 18 · 2013: 2 · 2012: 1
FWCI
50.16
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Psychology of Men & Masculinity (publishedVersion)
  • Digital Commons - University of South Florida (University of South Florida) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Gender Studies › Gender Roles and Identity Studies
  • Social Sciences › Gender Studies › Gender and Feminist Studies
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Social and Intergroup Psychology
Keywords
precarious manhood, gender status, masculinity, gender role conflict, risk-taking, aggression, stress and mental health, work-life balance, gender anxiety, male behavior, precarity

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