China proposes teaching masculinity to boys as state is alarmed by changing gender roles

The bullying eventually stopped, but a recent announcement by the government that singles out boys who don’t fit traditional Chinese ideas of masculinity has revived the painful memories. The plan to “encourage masculinity” in male students has inflamed a debate over modern gender roles as China’s government increasingly emphasizes what many consider to be outdated and damaging stereotypes for men and boys.

“Boys don’t need masculinity education,” said Lü Pin, the founder of China’s largest feminist advocacy media channel, Feminist Voices, which was banned by Chinese censors in 2018.

“The concept of masculinity forces every man to be tough, which excludes and harms men with other types of characteristics,” she said. “It also reinforces men’s hegemony, control and position over women, which goes against gender equality.”

via www.nbcnews.com