David Gilmore was one of the first sociologists to explore the

complexities of masculine identity. He followed the deterministic view

that gender was socially constructed. However, he did notice
similarities between male roles and values across different cultures.
Gilmore described masculinity as 'the approved way of being an adult
male in any given society'. He also found examples of cultures that
did not develop traits like territoriality, bravery and aggression in their
men; he explained this by linking male behaviour with geographical
and social environment.

Gilmore's main male roles

Across countries and societies, Gilmore noticed the following social
roles that men were encouraged to play. If they were successful, the
men won status and respect from other men, and women were
attracted to them; if they failed, they suffered scorn and found it hard
to find a sexual partner.
Man the impregnator: The man must take the initiative with a potential
partner, compete with other men, satisfy his woman, and make her
pregnant. The more he can do this, the more status he is accorded.
Man the provider: The man must provide food and shelter for the
woman and his family. He must hunt (or have a good job), be able
to make the family comfortable, and even continue providing for
his daughters in the form of a dowry!
Man the protector: The man must protect the family from other
men and any danger, even at the risk of his own life. He must guard
his territory and prevent other men from stealing his woman. Young
men can pr9've their strength by undergoing physically strenuous
and painful rituals, as for example, the East African Samburu tribe
who initiate boys by performing a circumcision without anaesthetic!

Now think of a male character in a film you know well. In what ways
does his behaviour fulfil these roles? Make notes in the table below.

Male social role Specific examples of behaviour

Man the impregnator

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Man the provider
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Page 1 of 2 Men and Film

 Social male roles and David Gilmore

Gilmore noted that in a culture where there was very little

geographical space, an easy source of food, no history of territorial
warfare, and a balance of men and women -such as on the island of
Tahiti or in Central Malaysia -men were not required to adopt these
roles. However, in a culture that developed in a harsh, dangerous
environment, with little food, and with frequent conflicts over land,
food and women, traditionally masculine roles and their associated
traits were evident. Gilmore is arguing a functionalist model: ie,
gender traits exist to fulfil a function in society.

Think about the character's environment. How does your example

of a movie character link with the influences of his environment?

Role and environment Specific examples

Man the impregnator:

More men than women; other men are rivals;
women are passive; women are status symbols
or prizes.

Man the provider:

Food/shelter/comfort is hard to get; danger
involved in getting food.

Man the protector:

Dangerous natural environment; territory needs
protecting from attack; possible attack from
other men; physical endurance needed.

To what extent do you think that Gilmore is right, that male traits
are a function of environment?

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