BOY VS. MAN: SOCIAL-PHILOSOPHICAL ANALYSIS OF THE PROBLEM OF MALE SOCIALIZATION

This article analyzes the problem of male socialization. On the one hand, the content and social meaning of "true" masculinity based on the work of David Gilmore "Formation of masculinity: cultural concepts of masculinity" are explicated. On the other hand, the main elements of the traditional model of the initiation of boys are defined. It is concluded that the concept of masculinity is culturally conditioned and there is a need for its transformation in the modern world in the direction of greater variability, less aggressiveness, less distance from the feminine. D. Gilmore's study substantiates the following important statements: 1. Masculinity as a social standard and imperative is inherent in most cultures, in these cultures it performs an important role, is regarded as an elusive but essential goal. 2. Achieving masculinity is through distancing from all the unmanly (women's and children's) usually carried out in the course of adult male initiation. 3. Availability and degree of aggressiveness of the male standard is closely associated with favorable natural and economic conditions in which a culture operates. 4. Masculinity standard is a cultural construct with an aim of continuation and preservation of the human race. In the absence of fierce competition, sexual insistence, the cult of physical strength and stamina, these problems are difficult to achieve, as evidenced by examples of small nationalities of the Semai and the Tahitians. 5. Masculinity imperative contrary to the popular belief develops the features of selflessness, generosity, sacrifice in male representatives rather than selfishness and indifference. The concept of "authentic" masculinity is conceptualized in androcentric cultures in the context of social standardization, "calling for" male individuals to prove their manhood, achieving and demonstrating certain socially important attributes of masculinity. Thus, since masculinity is not detected in the culture as something natural, but is created by following the imperative of masculinity, it can be argued that one of the main characteristics of the concept of masculinity is becoming a man. Despite the variety of techniques known to become a man, they all share some common features. E. Badenter formulates them in the context of the three fundamental stages of male initiation. 1. I - do not have anything in common with my mother. 2. I - do not have anything to do with women and women's world. 3. I demonstrate overwhelming public evidence of my masculinity. Thus, the main thing that is sacrificed on the way to becoming a man is a union with women and, above all, with the closest and therefore most dangerous, doubting and leveling - with mothers.