Crisis of Masculinity PDF

CRISIS OF MASCULINITY 1  INDEX CONTENT PAGE NO OBJECTIVES ACTION PLAN INTRODUCTION SURVEY EVIDENCE AND ANALYSIS INTERVIEWS AND ANALYSIS SCRIPT REPORT CONCLUSION STUDENT REFLECTIONS BIBLIOGRAPHY...

CRISIS OF MASCULINITY 1  INDEX CONTENT PAGE NO OBJECTIVES ACTION PLAN INTRODUCTION SURVEY EVIDENCE AND ANALYSIS INTERVIEWS AND ANALYSIS SCRIPT REPORT CONCLUSION STUDENT REFLECTIONS BIBLIOGRAPHY 2 OBJECTIVES 3  TO DEFINE THE CRISIS OF MASCULINITY, EXAMINING WHAT IT MEANS AND HOW IT HAS EMERGED IN MODERN SOCIETY. TO EXPLORE THE TRADITIONAL CONCEPT OF MASCULINITY AND HOW IT HAS SHAPED SOCIETAL EXPECTATIONS FOR MEN. TO ANALYZE THE IMPACT OF SOCIETAL PRESSURES ON MEN TO INVESTIGATE HOW THE CRISIS OF MASCULINITY AFFECTS YOUNG MEN TODAY TO EXAMINE THE ROLE OF EDUCATION AND MEDIA IN REINFORCING OR CHALLENGING TRADITIONAL MASCULINE NORMS. TO IDENTIFY THE INFLUENCE OF CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS BELIEFS TO PROPOSE POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS OR WAYS TO REDEFINE MASCULINITY IN A HEALTHIER, MORE INCLUSIVE MANNER, ENCOURAGING EMOTIONAL OPENNESS AND FLEXIBILITY. 4 ACTION PLAN 5  MONTH MODUS OPERANDI JULY- AUGUST GROUP FORMATION SELECTION OF TOPIC SELECTION OF DRIVING QUESTION SURVEY AND INTERVIEW PREPARATION AND COMPLETION SEPTEMBER REPORT WAS COMPLETED SCRIPT RECORDING WERE DONE OCTOBER BIBLIOGRAPHY AND STUDENT REFLECTIONS ADDED SUBMITTED FIRST DRAFT TO TEACHER NOVEMBER - PROJECT RETURNED FOR CHANGES DECEMBER AFTER CHANGES, FINAL DRAFT WAS SUBMITTED TO THE TEACHER 6 We were informed about the groups and group members before our summer vacation, the next day we were in different groups then we chose our project name and the driving question. we started our project during vacation on july 16th, on that day we had finished with the survey question and objectives. The survey was given to the people and they got one week to submit. The responses were positive. Then we prepared the interview questions on july 25th. afterwards, we had to interview people which we had chosen, which took another two weeks. We took more than half of the month to prepare the report which was completed on September 3rd. Then on September 28 we recorded our script-talk show. At the end we did our student reflection and bibliography on October 4th. 7 INTRODUCTION 8 In recent years, the concept of masculinity has undergone significant scrutiny and transformation. The traditional roles and expectations associated with being a man are evolving, leading to what many scholars and social commentators refer to as a “crisis of masculinity”. This project aims to explore the causes and consequences of this crisis, examining how shifting gender roles, cultural expectations, and economic changes are influencing men’s identities in modern society. by analyzing various perspectives, this report seeks to understand how masculinity is being redefined. 9 SURVEY EVIDENCE 10 Majority of the responders are aware of the term crisis of masculinity and its consequences Just over half of the responders believe traditional masculine traits are under threat, whereas 14.8% of the responders are unsure about the threat faced by traditional traits. 11 12 13 14 SURVEY ANALYSIS 15 From the survey we conducted, we can understand that the majority of the responders are aware of the term” crisis of masculinity “and have differing opinions about the causes and consequences of this crisis. Most of them believe that the traditional traits of masculinity are under threat and are constantly being modified. Many believe that this is due to media and cultural representations and the empowerment of feminism along with the push for gender equality, though gender equality can be seen as positive it is definitely one of the reasons for this constant changes and redefinitions of what it means to be a man today. According to them, men nowadays have difficulties in grasping the duties and responsibilities of what it means to be a man, and require open talks or discussion for the same. They believe schools or the education system have little to no role in this crisis of masculinity. According to them, the crisis of masculinity and the inclusion of several genders have a significant negative impact on today’s youth. 16 INTERVIEWS 17  INTERVIEW 1 We have chosen our classmate, Abhinav Anoop as our first interviewee because teenagers represent the real, lived experiences of young men today, as someone from our own age group provides a direct insight into how the current generation is navigating the pressures of traditional masculine expectations versus modern shifts in gender roles, while sharing unfiltered thoughts on how masculinity impacts their lives in school, friendships, relationships, or mental health. 1.How do you think traditional masculine traits, like toughness and emotional restraint, are changing among young men today? ANS: Some things are definitely changing. guys don’t have to act tough all the time like before. I see more boys being open about their feelings, especially with close friends. but it’s still there – if 18 you show too much emotion in front of certain people, they might think you’re weak or laugh at you. So yeah, it’s changing, but slowly. 2.In what ways do you believe education, both in school and at home, influences how boys understand and express masculinity? ANS: School helps a little by talking about mental health and how boys should be able to express their feelings. but honestly, the lessons we get aren’t always enough. at home, parents can still push old-school ideas like ‘boys don’t cry’ or ‘be a man,’ so sometimes it’s confusing. It's like school tells you one thing, but then at home, you hear something else. 3. Do you think young men today feel pressured to conform to traditional masculine roles, or do they have more freedom to define themselves? why? ANS: There’s definitely more freedom to be yourself now, especially if you’re in a supportive group of friends or online communities. but there’s still pressure to act like the ‘tough guy’ in certain situations, like in sports or around certain groups. so, it depends. Some boys feel free to be themselves, but others feel like they have to fit into the old masculine image. 4. How do you think the changing views on masculinity are affecting the mental health and well-being of young men? ANS: It’s a bit of both. I think it’s good that more boys are talking about their feelings and getting help when they need it. but at the same time, some guys still struggle with expectations to be strong all the time, and that can make things worse 19 mentally. it’s definitely better than before, but we still have a long way to go. 5.How can you justify that the changes happening in masculinity are always good? don’t you think some of the traits have to be retained? ANS: I don’t think all the changes are good. it’s great that guys are becoming more open about their feelings, but some traditional traits like being responsible, strong, and protective are still important. we need to find a balance – we shouldn’t get rid of everything that was once seen as masculine, but we should redefine those traits to fit what it means to be a man today. 20  INTERVIEW 2 The second person we chose for our interview is a psychologist, mr. Arjun Krishnan Nair from kerala. We thought he could be a perfect interviewee as a psychologist could provide insight into how the crisis of masculinity affects men's mental health, self-perception, and emotional well-being. They might also discuss the stigma men face when seeking help for emotional or psychological issues.. additionally, psychologists can discuss real-world cases of men facing identity crisis due to these pressures and provide evidence-based perspectives on how therapy can help. 21 1. What is the primary cause of the crisis of masculinity today? Ans: The crisis stems from shifting societal roles. Traditional expectations, like being providers and protectors, are less clear today, leaving many men uncertain. While men have more freedom to express emotions, the lack of new, positive models creates confusion. therapy helps by offering guidance and validation, helping men find a healthier balance. 2. How are traditional norms of masculinity still relevant today? ANS: Certain values like responsibility and strength remain important, but they must be adapted. emotional strength and collaboration are now just as vital. Problems arise when men cling to rigid ideals, but therapy can help them redefine these traits in a modern, healthy way. 3. How do societal pressures affect men’s mental health and how can it be dealt with ? ANS: Pressures to be tough and emotionally restrained can lead to depression and anxiety, as men often feel they can’t ask for help. However, societal shifts are encouraging emotional openness. therapy and open conversations allows men to express feelings safely and learn better coping mechanisms, redefining strength as resilience. 4. How does the multiplicity of gender identities influence young men? 22 ANS: It broadens the understanding of gender, allowing men to embrace traits like empathy without shame. However, some may feel confused or threatened by these changes. therapy helps men process these shifts while maintaining a stable sense of self, fostering open-mindedness without losing identity. 5. How does therapy help men redefine masculinity, especially in kerala? ANS: Therapy provides a safe space for men to explore their emotions and challenge harmful stereotypes. It helps men in culturally traditional settings, like kerala, adapt to modern ideals while retaining positive aspects of masculinity. therapy fosters emotional growth and balance. 23  INTERVIEW 3 Our third interviewee was a high-school teacher, mr. Ameerudhin pp, as teachers have direct, daily interactions with young men during a formative stage in their identity development. Teachers observe the pressures boys face to conform to traditional gender roles, offering insights into how these expectations impact behavior, self-esteem, and relationships. With their experience, they can also comment on how masculinity norms have evolved over time and how education plays a role in this so-called crisis of masculinity. Their exposure to diverse backgrounds further enriches their perspective on how various factors shape young men's views on masculinity. 1. How do you see traditional expectations of masculinity affecting male students in high school today? 24 ANS: Many boys feel pressure to act tough and not show their feelings. They think that showing emotions makes them weak. This can lead to stress and problems in school because they hide what they're really feeling instead of talking about it which can affect their academic performance and mental well being. 2. In your experience, how do boys typically respond to conversations about vulnerability and emotions? ANS: At first, boys can be shy or uncomfortable talking about their feelings because they’re used to being told to be strong. But when we have these talks in a safe space, they often start to open up. they realize it’s okay to share how they feel, and many appreciate being able to express themselves. 3. How does the school environment influence students' perceptions of masculinity? ANS: The school setting has a big impact on how boys see what it means to be a man. For example, If we focus only on being strong in sports, it can make them think that’s all there is to being masculine. But if we encourage teamwork and respect, we show them there are different ways to be a man and still be successful. 4. What role do you think education plays in addressing the crisis of masculinity? ANS: Education is very important in helping boys understand that they don’t have to follow old ideas about masculinity. In class, we can talk about feelings, kindness, and respect for others.education can offer alternative, healthier models of masculinity—ones that value emotional openness, respect for others, and self-awareness. 25 This helps boys learn that it’s okay to express themselves and that being a man can mean many things, not just the old stereotypes. 5. How can teachers support male students struggling with the pressure to conform to outdated gender roles? ANS: Teachers can help by being good examples and showing that it’s okay to talk about feelings. We can create an open environment where boys feel safe discussing their thoughts. By encouraging them to try new activities and be themselves, we show them they don’t have to fit into narrow ideas of what it means to be a man. 26  INTERVIEW 4 Our fourth interviewee was Farhan Safeer , as someone from a different culture and background could have varying perspectives about this crisis of masculinity. 1. What does being a man mean to you? ANS: Being a man means being strong and tough. a man should protect his family and be a good leader. He should not show weakness and always work hard. 2. How does your faith influence how you see masculinity? ANS: My religion teaches me to be strong and help others. a good man should have good values and be respectful. Faith makes me want to be better and take care of my family. 27 3. Do you think it is okay for men to show feelings? ANS: It is hard for me to say yes. I think men should be strong and not cry or show weakness. but sometimes, i see my friends who talk about feelings, and i think maybe that is okay too. 4. How can we change how people think about being a man? ANS: We need to talk more about it. I think we should say that being a man is not just about being strong. It can also be about being kind and helping others. 28  INTERVIEW 5 Our 5th interviewee was, mr. Shab Khan, a life coach. We chose him because life coaches specialize in personal development and helping individuals navigate life’s challenges, including issues related to gender identity and societal expectations. They often work with clients to redefine their goals, values, and beliefs, making them well-equipped to provide insights into how traditional masculine traits can be adapted for the modern world. 1.What are some traditional traits associated with masculinity that you are aware of? ANS: Traditional traits often associated with masculinity include strength, stoicism, dominance, emotional suppression, and assertiveness. These traits have been ingrained in societal 29 expectations for generations, influencing how men perceive their roles and identities. 2.Are all traditional traits needed to be modified, or can some of them be retained as they are? ANS: While some traditional traits like responsibility and resilience can be valuable, others, like emotional suppression and dominance, can be harmful. It's essential to retain the positive aspects while encouraging modifications that promote emotional openness and empathy. The focus should be on evolving these traits to suit the complexities of modern life. 3.How can we redefine masculinity for today’s world? ANS: Redefining masculinity involves embracing emotional intelligence, where men feel comfortable expressing their emotions and understanding others' feelings. It also requires promoting collaboration over competition, allowing men to work together and support one another. Balancing strength with vulnerability is crucial; men can be strong while also being open and empathetic. This shift can lead to healthier relationships and improved mental well-being. 4.What role do you think emotional intelligence plays in addressing the crisis of masculinity? ANS: Emotional intelligence is vital as it enables men to connect with their feelings and communicate effectively with others. By fostering emotional awareness, men can break free from the constraints of traditional masculinity, leading to healthier emotional expressions and stronger interpersonal relationships. 30 5.What strategies can men use to embrace a more modern version of masculinity? ANS: Men can start by practicing self-reflection to understand their beliefs and feelings about masculinity. Engaging in open conversations about emotions, seeking support from peers, and participating in workshops or therapy can help. In addition, they can focus on developing collaboration skills and learning to express vulnerability, making it easier to connect with others on a deeper level. 31 INTERVIEW ANALYSIS 32 The interviews reveal a nuanced understanding of how masculinity is evolving. Traditional traits like toughness and emotional restraint are still present but are slowly being challenged, particularly among young men. While education and therapy encourage emotional openness, societal pressures often maintain outdated expectations. interviewees highlight the need for balance—retaining positive traits like responsibility while embracing emotional intelligence and vulnerability. perspectives from diverse backgrounds emphasize that masculinity is not a fixed concept but a dynamic one, influenced by culture, faith, and personal experiences. Overall, redefining masculinity requires open dialogue and supportive environments for healthier male identity formation. 33 SCRIPT 34  TITLE: “ CRISIS OF MASCULINITY “ [OPENING SCENE: THE HOST, ISAM KHAN AND OMHARI WALKS ONTO THE STAGE WITH ENTHUSIASM, GREETED BY APPLAUSE FROM THE AUDIENCE.] ISAM(HOST 1): “Welcome to today’s episode on a topic that’s been sparking debates worldwide—'The Crisis of Masculinity.' Is modern society redefining what it means to be a man? Are traditional roles becoming obsolete? Let’s dive in and discuss.” M.REHAN (Sociologist): “Thank you for having me. The crisis of masculinity stems from society’s shifting expectations. Traditional male roles—provider, protector—are changing. Many men feel lost as gender roles evolve, leaving them unsure of how to align with these new norms.” 35 OM HARI (Host 2): “Interesting! So, do you think these changes are positive? Or do they create confusion and pressure for men to conform to both traditional and modern ideals? This balance seems to be causing a lot of stress, especially among young men.” EHSANULLAH (Psychologist): “It’s definitely a double-edged sword. On one hand, men are encouraged to embrace vulnerability and emotional expression. But on the other hand, they’re still expected to be strong and stoic. This internal conflict is fueling anxiety and depression in men today.” REHAN: “Exactly. The traditional male identity of toughness and emotional restraint no longer serves men well. However, embracing new ideals—like emotional intelligence and nurturing roles—requires society to normalize this change, and that’s where we’re lagging.” ISAM : “So, do you think the media and pop culture are playing a role in this? We see hyper-masculine figures in movies and advertisements, but also a push toward more sensitive portrayals. Are these mixed signals creating even more confusion?” EHSANULLAH : “Absolutely. Media often portrays contradictory images of masculinity. Men are expected to be tough action heroes, yet they’re also encouraged to show vulnerability. This tug-of-war 36 between extremes leaves many men feeling alienated, unsure of their true identity.” OM HARI: “How can we address this? Are there societal changes that need to happen to create healthier role models for men? What can families, schools, and communities do to help men embrace a more balanced sense of masculinity?” REHAN : “Education is key. We need to start with children, teaching both boys and girls that emotional expression isn’t a weakness. Schools can create safe spaces for young boys to express themselves without fear of being judged or ridiculed.” EHSANULLAH: “Additionally, we need more diverse role models. Men in leadership positions should openly embrace vulnerability and emotional intelligence. When young boys see that it’s okay to be both strong and empathetic, they’ll have healthier identities to aspire to.” 37 REPORT 38 This ASL project was introduced to us by our teacher in June 2024, and after discussions, we chose the topic “The Crisis of Masculinity” to explore how society is redefining masculinity today. As young men about to graduate and enter adulthood, we felt that this issue was highly relevant to our own experiences and future challenges. Our research focuses on how changing societal values are creating tension for men as they try to navigate the evolving expectations of masculinity. These changes are reshaping men’s identity, relationships, mental health, and careers, and our study shows that many men are struggling to adapt to these new norms. The "Crisis of Masculinity" refers to the challenges men face as traditional masculine norms are being questioned and redefined. Historically, masculinity was associated with traits like emotional suppression, dominance, physical strength, and stoicism. Men were expected to conform to these ideals, but as society becomes more inclusive, these views are being challenged. Our research shows that the pressure to meet these outdated standards can negatively affect men’s mental health, leading to stress, isolation, and confusion. Emotional suppression is a key aspect of traditional masculinity. Men are taught to hide their feelings and equate vulnerability with weakness, leading to emotional isolation and difficulty in seeking help. This can result in depression, anxiety, and a lack of meaningful connections, worsening their mental health. 39 Another aspect of traditional masculinity is the pressure to assert dominance and control. Men are often expected to be in charge, even when cooperation would be more beneficial. This emphasis on power can create tension in relationships and lead to unnecessary stress. Physical strength is also linked to masculinity. Men are expected to be tough, sometimes at the cost of their emotional health. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy for those who don't meet these standards and prevent them from seeking help for mental health issues. Stoicism, or the expectation that men remain emotionally composed, further restricts their emotional expression. This mindset can cause men to avoid seeking help when struggling emotionally, leading to stress and poor emotional well-being. As society shifts towards valuing emotional intelligence and empathy, traditional masculinity is being questioned. Many men find themselves torn between meeting outdated expectations and adopting a more emotionally aware version of masculinity. Our survey on the crisis of masculinity showed that most participants were aware of the term and believed that masculine traits are evolving. Many attributed these changes to the rise of feminism and shifts in gender equality. Respondents felt that the crisis should be discussed more openly but believed that the education system has not addressed these issues effectively. Most 40 also felt that the crisis, combined with the inclusion of diverse gender identities, negatively affects today’s youth. To better understand the crisis, we conducted interviews with people who have personal experience navigating masculinity. Abhinav Anoop, a young man, shared his struggles with balancing emotional openness and the pressure to maintain a tough exterior in male-dominated environments like sports. He noted that, while emotional expression is becoming more accepted among his peers, many still feel pressured to project toughness. Mr. Arjun Krishnan Nair, a psychologist, explained that the pressure to conform to traditional masculinity leads to mental health issues, such as stress and depression. He believes therapy can help men redefine their understanding of masculinity by embracing emotional awareness, which leads to healthier, more fulfilling lives. Mr. Ameerudhin PP, a teacher, noted that boys in his school often suppress their emotions in an effort to appear strong, which affects their academic performance and social relationships. He emphasized that education can play a role in reshaping these attitudes and promoting healthier versions of masculinity that encourage emotional expression and collaboration. Farhan Safeer, from a different cultural background, spoke about how traditional masculinity is often associated with strength and leadership. While he acknowledged the value of these traits, he also highlighted the importance of kindness and helping others, even if men struggle to 41 express their emotions. His view reinforced the idea that masculinity should be defined in more diverse ways, incorporating both strength and vulnerability. Mr. Shab Khan, a life coach, discussed how masculinity is evolving and emphasized the need for men to adapt to modern times. He encouraged men to retain positive traits like responsibility while embracing qualities such as emotional intelligence and self-reflection. By engaging in open discussions, men can learn to balance strength with vulnerability, which leads to healthier relationships and personal growth. Education plays a significant role in addressing the crisis of masculinity. Schools and universities can promote healthier, more inclusive models of masculinity by teaching boys that expressing emotions is a vital aspect of emotional well-being. Educational institutions can also emphasize collaboration and empathy, helping to break down the harmful stereotypes that surround masculinity. While the crisis of masculinity poses challenges, it also presents an opportunity to redefine masculinity in ways that benefit both men and society. Retaining positive masculine traits, such as responsibility and resilience, and strength while rethinking aspects like emotional suppression, will help men develop a more balanced and inclusive understanding of themselves. By encouraging 42 emotional intelligence, empathy, and self-awareness, we can help men navigate the complexities of modern masculinity and build stronger, healthier communities. 43 CONCLUSION 44 In conclusion, the "Crisis of Masculinity" reflects the ongoing struggles men face as traditional masculine norms are increasingly questioned and redefined. As society evolves, the pressures to conform to outdated ideals of emotional suppression, dominance, physical strength, and stoicism can negatively impact men's mental and emotional well-being. The research highlights how these rigid expectations often lead to stress, isolation, and internal conflict, making it difficult for men to form meaningful connections and seek help when needed. With shifting societal values that prioritize emotional intelligence, empathy, and collaboration, it is essential for men to embrace a more flexible and open version of masculinity. By doing so, they can overcome the limitations of traditional norms, improve their mental health, and foster healthier relationships both personally and professionally. 45  STUDENT REFLECTIONS 46 MOHAMMED REHAN :At first, I found the topic of masculinity a bit overwhelming and confusing. It seemed complicated because it included so many different ideas from society, psychology, and culture, which made it hard to understand where to start. But under Omhari’s strong and supportive leadership, the project became more manageable and even exciting. He helped guide us through each part, and soon enough, I was encouraged to really dive into our discussions about masculinity. I learned that this topic is much deeper than I originally thought, with many different points of view to explore. By talking about masculinity with my team, I started to see how traditional ideas about being “masculine” or “manly” have changed over time, especially as society’s expectations have shifted. One of the biggest lessons I learned through this project was the importance of listening to and respecting others’ viewpoints. During our group discussions, we had moments where we disagreed, especially on certain ideas about masculinity and its role in society. At first, this felt like a challenge, but I soon saw how these moments were essential for our growth as a group. Working together in this way taught me valuable skills like teamwork. These skills are not only useful for projects like this but will also help me in future situations where I’ll need to work closely with others. Another major takeaway from this experience was the importance of empathy. As we shared our different thoughts on masculinity, I realized that everyone has a unique experience with it, shaped by factors like family, 47 culture, and personal beliefs. This helped me understand that there’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to masculinity. I also gained a deeper understanding of how these social expectations can impact men’s mental health and well-being, which made me think about masculinity in a more caring and understanding way. Overall, this project expanded my understanding of masculinity and taught me essential skills like effective communication, collaboration. I learned how valuable it is to be open to different viewpoints, to listen, and to work through differences. I’m grateful for everything I learned and look forward to applying these skills in the future 48 ISAM KHAN: This project on the crisis of masculinity has truly been a journey of learning and self-discovery. At the start, I didn’t realize how much pressure men feel to meet certain expectations. But as we researched and talked to people, I began to understand that this issue runs much deeper than I had thought. It was surprising to find out that so many men are expected to hide their emotions, be tough, and avoid showing any vulnerability. I hadn’t really considered before how this constant pressure could negatively impact their mental and emotional well-being. What I learned is that it’s not just about being strong or tough; it’s about how society often limits men from expressing themselves in healthy ways. I also saw that these expectations can lead to problems like anxiety, depression, and anger, which are frequently overlooked or misunderstood. Working on this project also showed me the value of teamwork. Our group supported each other throughout the project, and if someone needed help, the rest of us were there to step in. This made the process a lot smoother, and it taught me the importance of listening to each other’s ideas and combining our strengths to create something meaningful. Overall, this project has deepened my understanding of the crisis of masculinity and its effects on men’s mental health. I now see how important it is for society to make space for men to express their emotions openly, without fear of being judged. At the same time, I’ve learned how powerful teamwork can be when everyone contributes and works together toward a shared goal. 49 EHSANULLAH: Being part of the "Crisis of Masculinity" project with Omhari, Rehan, and Isam has taught me a lot. The topic is important, and working with my group helped me realize just how significant this issue is in today’s society. At first, I didn’t think too deeply about what masculinity really meant. However, the discussions we had as a group completely changed my perspective. Omhari led the group well, making sure that everyone could share their views openly. These conversations made me think more about how masculinity is evolving and what it means to be a man today. One key realization for me was that many men feel pressured to act tough and hide their emotions, which isn’t always healthy. This insight opened my eyes to how challenging it can be for some men to balance societal expectations with their personal feelings. I’ve learned that offering kindness, understanding, and empathy can truly make a difference in how people feel about themselves and their identity. Working with my group also showed me the value of teamwork. Even though we didn’t always agree, those disagreements were actually helpful because they allowed us to consider different perspectives. 50 This experience has taught me that teamwork isn’t just about working together—it’s about respecting each other’s views and growing from the process. Overall, It has deepened my understanding of masculinity and the struggles men face today. I feel more prepared to discuss these kinds of topics with empathy and an open mind. 51 OM HARI : Working on the "Crisis of Masculinity" project with my group members—Rehan, Isam, and Ehsanullah—has been a truly eye-opening experience that changed the way I think about gender roles and expectations in society. As we explored the topic, I began to see just how strongly traditional ideas about masculinity are rooted in our culture. These old ideas shape how young men see themselves, how they act, and how they connect with others. Realizing this made me more aware of the pressures men face and helped me understand why so many men struggle with these expectations. From the beginning, one of our biggest challenges was coordinating our schedules and ideas. Each of us had our own viewpoint, and balancing these differences taught me the importance of clear communication and compromise. It was a good reminder that teamwork requires patience and effort from everyone. By working together, I learned how valuable different perspectives can be when tackling a complex issue. We didn’t always agree, but each discussion made our understanding of masculinity richer and more complete. I also learned how important it is to be flexible and adapt as new information comes up. Throughout the project, we received feedback from one another and from our interviewees, which sometimes challenged our initial ideas. This taught me to stay open-minded and adjust my thinking as we gained new insights. I realized that redefining masculinity isn’t about rejecting all traditional traits; it’s about finding a balance between keeping positive values from the past and making room for new ones that suit today’s society. This was a key 52 lesson for me, as it helped me see masculinity in a more balanced way—one that respects tradition but is open to change. Everyone experiences it differently based on their culture, family, and beliefs. This made me more aware of the diversity in how people understand masculinity and helped me approach the topic with more empathy and respect. Overall, this project was more than just a school assignment—it was a journey that expanded my understanding of gender issues and strengthened my teamwork skills. Managing group dynamics, handling disagreements, and staying flexible were all valuable lessons that I know will help me in future group work, both academically and personally. The insights and skills I gained will definitely shape how I approach similar topics and projects in the future. 53 BIBLIOGRAPHY 54 https://www.vox.com/the-gray-area/238 13985/christine-emba-masculinity-the-g ray-area https://www.wikipedia.org/ https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10. 1080/02500169208537709 https://www.theguardian.com/books/201 8/mar/17/the-crisis-in-modern-masculin ity 55