THE MALE FEAR OF THE FEMININE

The Male Fear of the Feminine and Its Effects

On Counseling and Psychotherapy

Author's declaration

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction4

Purpose of the Study4

Background5

Chapter 2: Literature Review7

Chapter 3: Methodology28

Research Plan28

Literature Selection Criteria28

Search Technique29

Keywords Used29

Theoretical Framework29

Chapter 4: Conclusion30

References33

Chapter 1: Introduction

The proposed research aims to understand men's experiences of the fear of the feminine (FOF). It will show that men experience multiple fears related to FOF in connection to their masculine gender roles. These fears included ones regarding: relationships, health, life and death, their place in society on the whole and issues of power within a perceived male hierarchy. The men express perceived differences between masculine and feminine gender roles. The research will result in implying that FOF may be conceptualized as a censor, preventing men from infringing on prescribed gender boundaries. In addition, FOF may also be the impetus for using psychological defenses to distance from thoughts and behaviors perceived as not masculine. Implications for counseling and psychotherapy with male clients will be discussed.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of the proposed study is to provide a good understanding of the Male fear of Feminine and its effects on Counseling and Psychotherapy.

Background

Fear of the feminine (FOF) has been of interest since the early days of psychotherapy and has been identified as a core aspect of the men's studies, being found in various disciplines. The FOF is implied in numerous discussions particularly within analytical schools of psychotherapy (Cook, 2006; Maguire, 2004). Freud (1937) suggested that psychological bedrock had been reached in analysis when men could confront their fears of loosing power (i.e., castration anxiety) often times brought upon in their relationships with women. Horney (1932) discussed men's “dread of women” and how this fear left men's sense of masculinity on unstable ground. Jung (1957) noted the importance of the feminine in his conceptualization of healthy and unhealthy notions of masculinity.

FOF is also noted on a more socio-cultural level, affecting gender roles issues for both men and women. Blazina (1997, 2003) suggested that while notions of FOF evolve, its presence is built into the framework of Western civilization. Neumann (1994) described the FOF as being located at the core of a patriarchal world-view. Dinnerstein (1977) suggested that fears of feminine underlie the origins of misogyny. In a similar vein, Pielow (1998) refers to the feminine qualities living deep within the psyches of men as demonic forces. Gruen (1984) has linked prevailing cultural values and fear of vulnerability with the male fear of the feminine. O'Neil et al's (1986) widely used Gender Role Conflict Scale (GRCS) is theoretical built upon the FOF, men's gender roles being derived in large part by the avoidance of those thoughts and behaviors seen as unmanly and connected to women. In keeping with this notion, a British study suggested that FOF is driving boys to adopt aggressive behavior (Jackson, 2003). The FOF can be seen in more spiritual and esoteric forms as well. In the symbolism of the later Buddhist schools, for example, one is born into the pure land ...