Hypomasculinity

Hypomasculinity is a psychological term for the absence of male stereotypical traits. For example, it is the absence of the de-emphasising of feelings and relationships. Oftentimes, individuals who exhibit hypomasculine traits display unmasculine professional or physical characteristics that deviate from the norm.^[1]

A Jungian interpretation of this would be of an overwhelmingly strong anima or female complex.^[2] This term can be pejorative and it is important not to place a moral interpretation on whether it is desirable, only by whether it is adaptive or maladaptive. Its opposite behavior is termed hypermasculinity.

Anorexia nervosa

Hypomasculinity is commonly attained by male anorexics.^[3] The hypomasculinity includes a demasculinized physique and actual reduction or cessation of sexual functioning as a result of deliberate malnutrition.^[3]

See also

• Gender role
• Hypermasculinity
• Machismo
• Masculinity
• Virility