Masculinity Education in China: Making ‘Manly’ Boys

Weak, timid, low in self-esteem, dependent, no appetite for exploration or adventure: This is how some of China’s lawmakers are describing today’s Chinese teenage boys. During the annual Two Sessions in March 2020 and 2021, legislators and political advisors raised concerns about the “feminization” of teenage boys, which garnered lots of media and public attention. The Ministry of Education has since pledged to “foster masculinity” among male students through physical education. The lawmakers’ proposal is partially in response to changing views of masculinity in mainstream culture during a time when slim, makeup-wearing male pop stars dominate TV screens and music stages. What has defined masculinity throughout Chinese history? A quick look and it’s easy to see the concept has been fluid and depends on the period.