ART: A PROFESSION LACKING SOCIAL RESPECT FOR MEN

IN modern society, there remains a significant gender disparity when it comes to the societal perception of careers in the arts. While art as a field, encompasses many forms of painting, sculpture, music, theater, and more, the social respect and acceptance of this profession are often tied to deeply ingrained stereotypes and expectations. One particularly notable aspect is how men are less frequently encouraged to pursue art as a career, and the profession is often not viewed as a prestigious or ‘manly’ occupation but rather as something meant to be a hobby for women.Western societies have created emphasis on certain ideals of masculinity, including strength, rationality and success. These ideals have shaped how people perceive what roles men should occupy in the workforce.

Feminised

The notion of artistic creativity was frequently feminised, with artists such as poets, dancers, or musicians viewed as emotional or even weak or carrying through art as a sign that they are bored and have nothing to do. This stereotype lives on even today. From a young age, boys are often encouraged to pursue ‘practical’ careers that promise stability, financial reward and social prestige.Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, as well as business-oriented professions, are heralded as legitimate and ‘respectable’ career paths. Art, on the other hand, is often dismissed as a hobby or a less serious pursuit, something that doesn’t offer the same kind of financial or social rewards and as insufficient to take care of a home.

Moreover, the stereotype of the ‘starving artist’ still looms large. The idea that an artist will struggle to make a living, often through highly unstable or unpredictable means, conflicts with societal expectations of men as providers. Men, particularly in more traditional or conservative cultures, may feel pressure to pursue careers that are seen as more ‘secure’ or capable of offering a solid income, even if their passion lies elsewhere. A second factor contributing to the lack of social respect for male artists is the stereotype of emotional sensitivity, which is often attributed to artistic expression.

Displays

Men are culturally conditioned to suppress displays of emotion and vulnerability, with an emphasis placed on stoicism, toughness and emotional restraint as a sign of ‘manliness’. Art, which is often seen as an outlet for personal expression and introspection, can therefore conflict with the masculine ideal of emotional toughness. As a result, some men feel embarrassed or hesitant to engage in creative work because they fear it will be seen as a weakness or a sign of fragility.

Art as an expression of individuality vs. societal expectations is another factor that contributes to art’s lack of social acceptance as a legitimate job for a majority and especially men. In many cases, art is not about conforming to societal expectations or producing something that fits into a mold—it’s about personal exploration, expression and creativity. Which means that in essence, it allows for a level of freedom and expression that typically challenges the social expectations towards men. This is inherently at odds with the traditional male role, which is often framed in terms of societal duty, productivity and achievement – the Alpha male masquerade.

Challenging the status quo despite these challenges is a long standing battle, although it may seem that to win the small battles in patriarchy is to create more wins in hindsight for artists in which the primitive role is to break down some of the barriers between gender expectations and artistic legitimacy. Similarly, the rise of male dancers, musicians and performers who embrace vulnerability and emotional expression is slowly reshaping perceptions of masculinity in the arts. Men who embrace the arts challenge the societal stereotypes that dictate what is ‘appropriate’ for their gender, contributing to a broader cultural acceptance of diversity in career choices.

By pursuing their passion for creativity and expression, these men offer new models of masculinity—ones that include sensitivity, vulnerability and the pursuit of personal fulfillment over external validation. In fact, I often pin point that the reason why the acceptance of artistry for women is slightly better than that for men is simply because female artists are seen as women partaking in a hobby – and they are not seen as individuals enhancing a serious skill that is respectable. It is perceived as leisure for women and inherently insinuating that it is not so important, but rather like applying makeup and cooking and not worth a conversation as a career.

The lack of social respect and acceptance for art as a legitimate job for men is rooted in historical, cultural and gendered expectations. Masculinity has long been associated with strength, productivity and stability, while art has been seen as a feminine or impractical pursuit. However, as gender roles continue to evolve and artists break new ground in various creative fields, there is hope that society will begin to more fully embrace art as a respectable and fulfilling career for men. In the end, the act of creating—whether through paint, music, or movement—remains a deeply human endeavor that transcends gender and deserves recognition, respect and support.

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