Masculinity is understood in sociology not as a fixed biological essence but as a social construct shaped by historical, cultural, economic, and political processes. While biological differences between males and females exist, the meanings attached to being “masculine” are produced and reproduced through social interaction, institutions, and power relations. Masculinity refers to a set of attributes, behaviors, roles, and expectations that societies associate with men and boys. These attributes are not universal or unchanging; rather, they vary across time and place, demonstrating that masculinity is socially constructed rather than biologically determined. The distinction between sex and gender is central to this discussion. Sex refers to biological differences, whereas gender refers to socially created roles, norms, and identities. Masculinity belongs to the realm of gender. From early childhood, boys are socialized into particular ways of behaving that align with dominant ideas of manhood. Families, schools, peer groups, media, religion, and the state play crucial roles in shaping masculine identities. Boys are often encouraged to be strong, assertive, competitive, emotionally restrained, and independent. Expressions of vulnerability, tenderness, or dependency are frequently discouraged. These expectations are learned through reinforcement, rewards, punishments, and imitation, illustrating how masculinity is constructed through socialization. Different societies construct masculinity in diverse ways. In some cultures, masculinity is associated with warrior traditions and physical bravery; in others, it may be linked to intellectual achievement, economic provision, or spiritual authority. Historical changes further reveal its constructed nature. For example, in pre-industrial societies, masculinity was closely tied to land ownership and agrarian labor. During the industrial revolution, the ideal of the male breadwinner emerged as men moved into wage labor outside the home, while women were associated with domesticity. In contemporary globalized societies, new forms of masculinity emphasize corporate success, consumerism, and bodily aesthetics. The shifting criteria of what counts as “manly” across eras indicate that masculinity is not static but responsive to structural transformations. R.W. Connell’s concept of hegemonic masculinity provides an influential framework for understanding masculinity as a social construct. Hegemonic masculinity refers to the culturally dominant ideal of manhood that legitimizes male power and subordination of women and marginalized men. This ideal often includes traits such as authority, heterosexuality, physical strength, emotional control, and economic success. However, not all men embody hegemonic masculinity; rather, it functions as a normative standard against which men are judged. Connell also identifies subordinate, complicit, and marginalized masculinities, highlighting that masculinities are multiple and hierarchically organized. This plurality underscores that masculinity is socially produced within relations of power and inequality. The role of institutions in constructing masculinity is significant. The family often reinforces traditional gender roles by encouraging boys to engage in “masculine” toys and activities such as sports or mechanical tasks. Schools may reward assertiveness in boys while tolerating aggression as natural. Military