Male bonding
[9] Adolescence is a period of significant social, emotional, and physical development, and peer relations become more complex and takes on new dimensions as young boys navigate the challenges of puberty and identity formation.
[25] However, more recent literature suggests that college age men tend to be less limited by traditional views of masculinity and homosocial bonding than previous generations and are more intimate and emotionally expressive in their same gender friendships.
[26] During adolescence, boys often bond through risk-taking behaviors such as experimenting with substances, engaging in rebellious acts, or pushing physical limits.
Young adulthood is marked by increased independence and the establishment of long-term goals, such as career ambitions, romantic relationships, and starting families.
In adulthood, more emphasis begins to be placed on social roles and responsibilities such as increased focus on career, family, and personal development which can impact the amount of time men spend bonding with friends.
[28] However, strong male friendships remain vital, as they offer support in navigating the complexities of adulthood and help men maintain a sense of identity.
Factors that may impact male bonding in older adults include loss of friends, health issues, and social isolation.
Gay, bisexual, and queer men may struggle to find acceptance within male spaces that emphasize homophobia or rigid masculinity, such as in sport.
[39] Male bonding has been a common theme in Western media for many decades, often depicted in ways that reinforce traditional notions of masculinity and friendship.
In recent years, popular shows like Dave (2020-) and Ted Lasso (2020-) have presented male friendships that are characterized by emotional support, vulnerability, and deeper connections beyond just shared activities.
[40] The term "bromance" has emerged in recent years to describe a close, non-romantic friendship between men that involves a heightened level of emotional intimacy and affection.
[43] These conversations have gained more scrutiny and attention in both popular culture and the media in recent years following the 2016 U.S. presidential election, when a recording of Donald Trump casually bragging about sexually assaulting women to a television personality was leaked to the public.
[44] Following the tape being leaked, Trump attempted to dismiss public concern by stating the remarks were “locker room talk.”[45] The incident sparked widespread discussions about the impact of such talk on societal attitudes toward women and the role it plays in reinforcing a culture of toxic masculinity.
