# Generally speaking, how many masculine groups/cutulres are there? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 10, 2018, 8:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generally-speaking-how-many-masculine-groups-cutulres-are-there/808579 "2018-02-10T08:43:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Luciano700](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Luciano700](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Luciano700)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2018, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generally-speaking-how-many-masculine-groups-cutulres-are-there/808579/41 "2018-02-10T23:02:19Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > Answer my question. Does the trans body builder fit into your rubric of “masculine group/culture”? Or does his lack of Y chromosome a disqualifyer? No, I just stated he doesn’t need strictly to be a biological male to fit into a male culture, so as long as he is actually transitioning and putting the effort. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2018, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generally-speaking-how-many-masculine-groups-cutulres-are-there/808579/42 "2018-02-10T23:03:57Z")
> [@Luciano700](#): > > For one, why are there so many ideas of masculinity? And why do so many seem to vary by race, culture, religion or age group? Because the world does not care about your wishes or expectations. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2018, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generally-speaking-how-many-masculine-groups-cutulres-are-there/808579/43 "2018-02-10T23:05:38Z")
> [@Luciano700](#): > > No, I just stated he doesn’t need strictly to be a biological male to fit into a male culture, so as long as he is actually transitioning and putting the effort. Okay… [is he putting in the effort](https://www.google.com/search?q=chaz+bono&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=p8gPaoId4iDJnM%253A%252COWv3LHmuMKCGSM%252C_&usg=__SxzMALi_P5UxrhBWc7sVTbMQxco%3D&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiO3-ncupzZAhVJ-mMKHYi9D8UQ_h0IuwEwGg#imgrc=p8gPaoId4iDJnM:)? ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2018, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generally-speaking-how-many-masculine-groups-cutulres-are-there/808579/44 "2018-02-10T23:07:16Z")
I don’t think this kid knows what it is he wants an answer to. He just keeps saying more words without saying anything pertinent to his OP. question. I am not sure we can help him, at all. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2018, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generally-speaking-how-many-masculine-groups-cutulres-are-there/808579/45 "2018-02-10T23:09:44Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > I don’t think this kid knows what it is he wants an answer to. He just keeps saying more words without saying anything pertinent to his OP. question. > I am not sure we can help him, at all. You’re right. I’m just killing time before our dinner reservations. ---
**Author:** ![Luciano700](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Luciano700](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Luciano700)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2018, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generally-speaking-how-many-masculine-groups-cutulres-are-there/808579/46 "2018-02-10T23:11:37Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > Because the world does not care about your wishes or expectations. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Luciano700](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Luciano700](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Luciano700)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2018, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generally-speaking-how-many-masculine-groups-cutulres-are-there/808579/47 "2018-02-10T23:16:18Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > Okay… [is he putting in the effort](https://www.google.com/search?q=chaz+bono&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=p8gPaoId4iDJnM%253A%252COWv3LHmuMKCGSM%252C_&usg=__SxzMALi_P5UxrhBWc7sVTbMQxco%3D&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiO3-ncupzZAhVJ-mMKHYi9D8UQ_h0IuwEwGg#imgrc=p8gPaoId4iDJnM:)? I almost forgot the dude existed, I posted a pic of him once. And wow, I am not sure how I am not making myself clear. Yes, I understand way too many variables. Then there is the semantics, and then is way too open for interpretation. My question kind of is: Is being a biker to some a masculinity? What about being a thug? Manly or just insecure and intimidating? See, is almost as if there is no exact universal idea of being a man. If this is still very unclear and misunderstood, not sure how else I can say it then. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2018, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generally-speaking-how-many-masculine-groups-cutulres-are-there/808579/48 "2018-02-10T23:23:56Z")
> [@Luciano700](#): > > See, is almost as if there is no exact universal idea of being a man. Finally, something of substance. > [@Luciano700](#): > > If this is still very unclear and misunderstood, not sure how else I can say it then. You didn’t say it at all. Until just now. ---
**Author:** ![Luciano700](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Luciano700](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Luciano700)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2018, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generally-speaking-how-many-masculine-groups-cutulres-are-there/808579/49 "2018-02-10T23:55:05Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > Finally, something of substance. > > You didn’t say it at all. Until just now. Well I am glad I did. ---
**Author:** ![Luciano700](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Luciano700](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Luciano700)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2018, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generally-speaking-how-many-masculine-groups-cutulres-are-there/808579/50 "2018-02-11T00:08:50Z")
> [@jtur88](#): > > Generally speaking, I’d say there are either eight, or 74,982. According to how narrowly you define them. Since you said 8, what are the 8 main categories in your book? ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2018, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generally-speaking-how-many-masculine-groups-cutulres-are-there/808579/51 "2018-02-11T00:37:50Z")
> [@Luciano700](#): > > Since you said 8, what are the 8 main categories in your book? I think you gotta get past this. Everyone will have different understandings and opinions, since this is a nebulous concept based on nothing more than people’s individual feelings. Further, it’s just not that important. Be the type of person you want to be. If you need a rule, be a good person. Treat people decently and with respect. If someone treats you poorly, stand up for yourself. Stand up for the weak and powerless if someone is mistreating them. Be a good person. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2018, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generally-speaking-how-many-masculine-groups-cutulres-are-there/808579/52 "2018-02-11T00:37:51Z")
> [@Luciano700](#): > > Since you said 8, what are the 8 main categories in your book? OOOh!.. we were so close. :smack: ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2018, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generally-speaking-how-many-masculine-groups-cutulres-are-there/808579/53 "2018-02-11T00:52:15Z")
Get over the number. You’re never gonna get the same answer twice. It is too variable. Concentrate on what qualities you like in masculinity. Or femininity. Which ever one appeals to you. You can’t compare apples and oranges. It won’t work. ---
**Author:** ![Luciano700](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Luciano700](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Luciano700)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2018, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generally-speaking-how-many-masculine-groups-cutulres-are-there/808579/54 "2018-02-11T00:52:38Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > I think you gotta get past this. Everyone will have different understandings and opinions, since this is a nebulous concept based on nothing more than people’s individual feelings. Further, it’s just not that important. Be the type of person you want to be. If you need a rule, be a good person. Treat people decently and with respect. If someone treats you poorly, stand up for yourself. Stand up for the weak and powerless if someone is mistreating them. Be a good person. Yeah maybe i shouldn’t be asking too much. But is something I do enjoy learning > [@QuickSilver](#): > > OOOh!.. we were so close. :smack: Come on now, I just said is something enjoy learning. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2018, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generally-speaking-how-many-masculine-groups-cutulres-are-there/808579/55 "2018-02-11T00:57:23Z")
> [@Luciano700](#): > > Yeah maybe i shouldn’t be asking too much. But is something I do enjoy learning That’s fine; just recognize that things like masculinity are entirely artificial human-created concepts, and will differ wildly between cultures and individuals within cultures. ---
**Author:** ![Luciano700](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Luciano700](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Luciano700)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2018, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generally-speaking-how-many-masculine-groups-cutulres-are-there/808579/56 "2018-02-11T01:10:19Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > That’s fine; just recognize that things like masculinity are entirely artificial human-created concepts, and will differ wildly between cultures and individuals within cultures. Yep. Like I mentioned earlier, the construction of masculinity is something that varies entirely by race, religion, culture, age group, sexual orientation and even political affiliation for that matter. Sure not all of it artificially-created, but the ideas and expectations totally are. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2018, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generally-speaking-how-many-masculine-groups-cutulres-are-there/808579/57 "2018-02-11T01:17:02Z")
And you are looking at distinctions that aren’t necessarily that important. Taking your own categories, say you have a male ninja, a female ninja, a male chav, and a female chav. The male and female ninjas and the male and female chavs would have more in common with each other than would the male ninja and male chav or the female ninja and female chav. So “masculinity” is a lesser issue of variation within the grouping of vaguely defined (chav) or mythological (ninja) cultural groups. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2018, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generally-speaking-how-many-masculine-groups-cutulres-are-there/808579/58 "2018-02-11T01:18:28Z")
> [@Luciano700](#): > > Yep. Like I mentioned earlier, the construction of masculinity is something that varies entirely by race, religion, culture, age group, sexual orientation and even political affiliation for that matter. Sure not all of it artificially-created, but the ideas and expectations totally are. It’s human created, which is what I meant by artificial. There’s no fundamental masculinity – there’s no masculinity at all without human cultures and societies defining the concept. What are your concerns? Where do all these questions come from? There’s some underlying worry driving these questions, I think. What is it? ---
**Author:** ![Luciano700](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Luciano700](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Luciano700)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2018, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generally-speaking-how-many-masculine-groups-cutulres-are-there/808579/59 "2018-02-11T01:24:32Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > It’s human created, which is what I meant by artificial. There’s no fundamental masculinity – there’s no masculinity at all without human cultures and societies defining the concept. > > What are your concerns? Where do all these questions come from? There’s some underlying worry driving these questions, I think. What is it? Meh no concerns really, I can maybe list some factors. My exposure to social issues and the lack of male role model can play a big role. Also being a world cultures and geography nerd, I question different standards of something from time to time. ---
**Author:** ![Luciano700](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Luciano700](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Luciano700)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2018, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generally-speaking-how-many-masculine-groups-cutulres-are-there/808579/60 "2018-02-11T01:35:47Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > It’s human created, which is what I meant by artificial. There’s no fundamental masculinity – there’s no masculinity at all without human cultures and societies defining the concept. > > What are your concerns? Where do all these questions come from? There’s some underlying worry driving these questions, I think. What is it? Also, yeah the cultures are human-created, but as far the behaviors go. There is the nature vs nurture debate there. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generally-speaking-how-many-masculine-groups-cutulres-are-there/808579.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generally-speaking-how-many-masculine-groups-cutulres-are-there/808579.md?page=4)