Victorian masculinity

"[1] The concept of Victorian masculinity is extremely diverse, since it was influenced by numerous aspects and factors such as domesticity, economy, gender roles, imperialism, manners, religion, sporting competition, and much more.

], this included a vast amount of pride in their work, a protectiveness over their wives, and an aptitude for good social behaviour.

Those values that have survived to the present day are of special interest to critics for their role in sustaining the 'dominance of the Western male'.

Thus, a fascination with health led to a sports and game playing mania, which was primarily acted out through the public school system for boys.

[7] Another reason for such drills was that by the end of the 19th century the British Empire was perceived to be in danger and athletic public school boys made good recruits.

[citation needed] In the second half of the 19th century the ideal of Victorian manliness became increasingly defined by imperialism because the subordination of non-western cultures was in its heyday in Britain.

Thus, part of the concept of masculinity became military and patriotic virtue, which defined the ideal man as courageous and enduring like hunters, adventurers, and pioneers, all of whom were profoundly self-sufficient and independent and had broad scientific knowledge.