What makes a man? – questioning masculinity, Sharifa Morris and Guarionex Rodriguez

Masculinity is constructed and defined socially, historically and politically, rather than being biologically driven. Sharifa Morris design a story about the condition of manhood today

More of Us, Sharifa Morris for Lampoon

«In all societies, there are many ideas about masculinity and femininity that are harmful to girls and women, and to boys and men. Research suggests that in most societies ideas about masculinity are defined in opposition to ideas about femininity».

Masculinity, a social expectations of being a man

The term ‘masculinity’ refers to the roles, behaviors and attributes that are considered appropriate for boys and men in a given society. Masculinity is constructed and defined socially, historically and politically, rather than being biologically driven.

We can think of masculinity as a shorthand for talking about the social expectations and practices of manhood; expectations and practices which are reinforced everyday by individuals as well as by institutions, such as the law, the economy, religion, education and the media. Women as well as men are involved in reinforcing these social expectations of masculinity (e.g. when a mother tells her son to act like a man and not to cry).

Tevin wears top by Dylan Mekhi. Skirt by Telfar

Variety of masculinities

Because masculinity is about the social expectations of manhood, this means that there is no single, fixed definition of masculinity. There are many socially constructed definitions for being a man and these can change over time and from place to place; as we can see from our own lives when we compare the lives of our fathers and grandfathers with those of the younger generation of men today.

If different masculinities exist, then alternatives to patriarchal masculinities are possible. In many places we can see that there are roles, behaviors and attributes that are considered appropriate for men which emphasize relations of equality and respect between women and men and which regard femininities as different but equally valued.

Jimmy wearstop by Dylan Mekhi. Jewelry and sunglasses model’s own. Troy wears a jacket and headpiece of Dylan Mekhi. Underwear by Fruit of the Loom. Jewelry by Martine Ali

Sharifa Morris

Sharifa is a NYC based stylist, creative consultant, and founder of Nuff Studio.

Credits

Photographer Guarionex Rodriguez Jr.
Stylist Sharifa Morris
Models Marquis @ We speak, Soouizz@ Next Models, Troy, Lindsey, Jimmy, Tevin
Hair Stylist Junya Nakashima
Casting Trevor Swain
Studio Liberty Studio
Production NUFF Studio