What does "Some scholars ....masculine trait" mean in this paragraph?
I'm reading a book. The book has a paragraph as follows:
"Most people seem to believe that what constitutes feminine and masculine behavior is dynamic and may change over time as the behavior of the majority of a sex changes. Some scholars even list examples from history of such changes, but they mistake expressions of femininity for femininity itself and expressions of masculinity for masculinity itself. The majority of males do not have to adopt a trait for it to become a masculine trait. In fact, many males, perhaps even the majority these days, are more timid than brave, but being timid will never be considered masculine because the majority does not set the standards. Biology does, and to be timid is more a sign of vulnerability than bravery; hence, it is more suitable for females, at least in our natural environment where they were more likely to survive and reproduce if they avoided risks"
Can you explain the meaning of the sentences "Some scholars ....masculine trait"? Thank!

Question

What does "Some scholars ....masculine trait" mean in this paragraph?
I'm reading a book. The book has a paragraph as follows:
"Most people seem to believe that what constitutes feminine and masculine behavior is dynamic and may change over time as the behavior of the majority of a sex changes. Some scholars even list examples from history of such changes, but they mistake expressions of femininity for femininity itself and expressions of masculinity for masculinity itself. The majority of males do not have to adopt a trait for it to become a masculine trait. In fact, many males, perhaps even the majority these days, are more timid than brave, but being timid will never be considered masculine because the majority does not set the standards. Biology does, and to be timid is more a sign of vulnerability than bravery; hence, it is more suitable for females, at least in our natural environment where they were more likely to survive and reproduce if they avoided risks"
 Can you explain the meaning of the sentences "Some scholars ....masculine trait"? Thank!

Answer

- "Expressions of femininity" can be understood as 'the act/process of showing/revealing that is commonly understood to be feminine;' whereas "femininity" is the actual 'quality of being female.'
- Similarly, "expressions of masculinity" can be understood as 'the act/process of showing/revealing that is commonly understood to be masculine;' whereas "masculinity" is the actual 'quality of being male.'

I believe the author is saying that a character trait is just a trait and is not determined by gender or should be considered gender-neutral. Here, the author is making a distinction between character traits and actual (biological) qualities that make a gender.  
Hope this helps :).

Answer

I think its trying to say that males adopting feminine traits doesnt make it masculine and so i would assume same happens viceversa. Then it gives the example to make it more clear that most males are timid in majority and still its not considered a masculino trait. I hope you understand what i meant haha was that the answer you were looking for?

Answers · 3

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