The Victorian Crisis of Masculinity

The Victorian Crisis of Masculinity refers to a period in the late 19th century when traditional male ideals were challenged by social changes, including industrialization and shifts in gender roles. As women gained more rights and opportunities, men struggled to define their identities and purpose. The crisis emerged from anxieties about masculinity, virtue, and an emerging modernity that questioned traditional power dynamics. This tension reflected broader societal shifts, leading to debates about masculinity's role in a rapidly changing world, ultimately influencing literature, culture, and social norms of the time.