Traditionally men strove to become breadwinners of the family, however with the advance of feminism, changes in the economy, unemployment this has changed. In modern society new forms of masculinity has developed, most notably David Beckham who is ‘in touch’ with his feminine side.

The issue is that many young males are frankly confused about how they should deal with woman (traditional gentleman, nice-guy-friend?), their role in society and how they should behave. Children’s television, Pop shows show Geordie pretty-boys rather than your traditionally manly male role model.

Personally, I have found that growing up in modern society has led me to be confused with masculinity, however I have developed my own form of classical, modern, sophisticated and successful form of masculinity. For many young males, they don’t develop their own self-esteem and confident image of themselves.

Q for debate: Is modern society confused about masculinity?

Not really, no. I think women know exactly what they want from men - everything they used to get from them, when they want it, and everything that men used to get from women, when they want that instead, and sometimes both at the same time.

The state and the economy want what they have always wanted from everyone, regardless of gender - a cost-effective, convenient, compliant and flexible labour force. Masculinity is sometimes an asset to that (e.g in warfare), and sometimes a hindrance

However I think MEN generally are confused about masculinity. There is a perception that now there are many different roles available to us, and we are confused and intimidated by the range of choice, and (sometimes), the fact that we now have to make a choice at all. Women seem, as a whole, to have reacted more positively to the choices they have, enjoying the fact that they can flit from one to another almost willy-nilly.

But let's not feel too sorry for ourselves, boys - we still earn more money to do the same jobs, we still hold far more than the 48% of the levers of power our population alone merits, and most of us individually (like most individual women) make it up as we go along, like we always have.

On that note, I've even heard some feminists whisper that the "crisis in masculinity" is just some large-scale sleight of hand to distract everyone from the fact that women still don't have anything like true equality (of either opportunity or outcome).

NOTE FOR AMERICANS: Despite a recent tour of American chatshows, you may not know who David Beckham is. He is Britain's highest-paid soccer player and captain of the England team, generally agreed around the world to be one of the best players in the world, and a genuinely nice guy (even if he isn't as book-smart or eloquent as George Clooney; the only other celebrity I can think of whose appeal to both men and women, straights and gays, is so wide). He's only in his late 20s, so at the peak of his sporting career for another few years yet.

He is happily married to the former Posh Spice, Victoria; they have two young children that he publicly dotes on; and he individually, and they as a family, are seen as role models for both modern men and modern marriages. Being rich as Croesus makes their lifestyle even more attractive - he earns many millions for his football alone, even before his mooted move to a Spanish club from Manchester United. He makes millions more from his many advertising and sponsorship deals; and she is independently wealthy from her former pop career despite the fact that she hasn't had a significant hit since the Spice Girls split.

Somewhat unusually for wealthy Britons, nobody here seems to begrudge him his wealth and status (although I have heard snide comments about Mrs B, mainly based on her perceived lack of significant talent). Hopefully that might be a sign that we are growing out of our class obsession, and envious, spiteful treatment of success, but I'm not sure we might not revert to type after he retires from football (or, especially, if he makes another unruly tackle that puts the England team out of a major international tournament).

His reputation as "being in touch with his feminine side" is mainly based on his continued experimentation with hairstyle (make the most of it before you have to start either experimenting with wigs, or getting used to a number 2 crew-cut, Dave. I wish I had!); his fashion sense (he wore a sarong on a tropical holiday, and looked good in it, but then he is a spectacularly handsome man); and his willingness to be an active parent in public (talking about changing diapers doesn't hurt, either).

Nope. Society isn't confused about it.

It's just that masculinity displayed by a man is unpopular with society.

-Robert

Society may be a little confused -- and that's a good thing.

We need to think about traditional gender roles, and how they fit into our own lives. Certainly, there are traits which are considered "masculine" that we should admire in all people -- courage, for example. Certainly, there are traits which are considered "feminine" which we should admire in all people -- compassion, for example.

The important thing is to recognize and celebrate individuality. I am timid and shy. I like math and science. I do not show my emotions very much. I don't like sports. I do not like to care for children. You tell me: Am I "feminine" or "masculine"?

You are a person, not a modern society.

Remember, that the entire concept of masculinity and femininity are very very broad generalizations.

So, one might ask, "Is modern society confused about the very very broad generalization that defines manhood?"

And I would answer no. Rather, modern society simply dislikes several traits that are part of the very very broad generalization that defines manhood.

-Robert

Wow, after only 20 seconds of reading that question I had so many thoughts that were so deep that I had to grab a smoke first before I posted.

Modern society is made up of so many diverse people nowadays, I don't think confused is the right word to use. So many voices, so many opinions. What's masculine to one person, may not be to another.

As far as men in general, I do believe there is some confusion as to what our roles are. We used to be the person that worked 12 hours a day and fed the entire family, the person who fixed our cars and fixed things around the house. We were supposed to "work out" and have strong muscles. Today, women are just as capable(yes they were always capable, but it wasn't the "their place", whatever that meant....) now and can, and do everything we can do. So, what do we do now? What do women want of us now? Obviously there is no more generalized answer to this and we have to take each circumstance as it comes to us. This is something new to many of us and I hope we adapt as well as women have to their new roles.