Final answer:
The emotion most associated with masculinity in our culture is strength, expressing itself as aggression and dominance, shaped by historical contexts and societal expectations in opposition to femininity.
Step-by-step explanation:
In our culture, the emotion most associated with masculinity is often strength, which can be tied to the expression of aggression and dominance. This connection has roots in historical contexts, like the Cult of Masculinity in twentieth-century America, where masculine identities were shaped through sports, military service, and opposition to what were deemed feminine traits and characteristics. Over time, masculinity was closely tied to being a patriarch and provider, with insults targeting men often related to any suggested effeminacy. Additionally, certain male behaviors, such as being nurturing or involved in childcare, which defy traditional masculine stereotypes, demonstrate that societal expectations of masculinity are learned and not innate.
Research on masculinity also shows that these gender roles have been socially constructed in opposition to femininity, shaping how men are expected to emotionally conduct themselves in public. For instance, historically in the United States, devoted fatherhood and certain blue-collar professions were considered embodiments of masculine strength and responsibility.