The Importance of Male Bonding in Society

Male bonding has important implications for society, family and for other males. Male bonding is a key component in society and has profound affects on future generations of children. Male bonding has remarkable differences when compared to female bonding because it is based in economic, social and class differentiations.

Male Bonding & Society:

Some of the earliest literary works in male boding start with Confucian norms and are categorized into family, fraternity, and friendship (Mann, 2000). Each of these norms of male bonding serves a particular need in society that is crucial in defining how we live our lives. The concepts of social class and religion began in its earliest stages with male bonding.

Prior to the modern era most men spent a great proportion of their time away from woman. They went to war, hunted and worked while their wives were at home bearing children. Wives were seen more in terms of their family obligations and responsibilities than their societal obligations and responsibilities. Men were functioning in society to protect both their woman and children.

Spheres of Male Bonding:

1.) Family: One of the highest obligations men have is to protect, provide and teach their family. Society is based upon the very nucleus of family living. As we have seen in modern times the unraveling of the nuclear family also means an unraveling of values, societal norms and the raising of well-adjusted children. Interestingly men's status has also been lowered in recent times.

Males bond with children by giving them self-confidence instead of self-esteem as offered by their mothers (Gurion, 2005). Men will say something like "You will be alright!" versus mothers who will say "Are you alright?" The differences don't seem to be very profound but one gives the child confidence while the other teaches the child that they are loved. Men's bonding is side by side and helps to teach the child to live in society and have confidence in their abilities.

2.) Fraternity: Males have joined secret orders, fraternities, military campaigns, economic partnerships, etc... in order to further their interests, social class and way of living. These fraternities give men an outlet and purpose to life. Fraternal feelings are still important in spheres related to politics (political parties), education (Harvard versus Yale), military (male dominated) and business (Rotary Clubs).

3.) Friendships: Men still need a place where they can loosen their ties, get a glass of scotch and listen to their friends. They may find associations in any number of spheres ranging from sporting events to gambling. Men bounce ideas off their friends, get a better perspective on life's issues and feel like they are appreciated by their friends.