Men absent, free from overt sexual or sexist undertones?
In modern society, the sight of a man walking shirtless in public is increasingly common and often met with little attention, while the same scenario for women is fraught with social and legal complexities.
A study revealed that in some Western countries, a notable proportion of men find public nudity more acceptable than women, indicating a gender difference in comfort with body exposure. This discrepancy is evident in everyday life, with men striding confidently bare-chested in various public contexts, while women face stricter norms and societal scrutiny.
Women's bodies are subject to more societal scrutiny and social control, and this is particularly true when it comes to the chest area. Social norms and legal restrictions often prohibit women from being bare-chested, tying exposure to morality standards and sexualization in society. Conversely, the bare male chest has become a trendy fashion choice, with celebrities like the Efron brothers and pop culture icons such as Iggy Pop and American pop star Benson Boone showcasing their physiques.
The trend of men removing their shirts in public isn't confined to swimming pools, beaches, or construction sites. In Germany, for instance, some men have taken to jogging, cycling, or walking in public areas without shirts, a practice that has sparked both admiration and controversy. However, this freedom is not without its challenges. In some settings, exhibitionist men may face criticism, as suggested by psychologist Ada Borkenhagen, who argues that they should not be allowed to bare their upper bodies in certain settings.
The double standard extends to the world of sports as well. Taking off the jersey during goal celebrations is a sign of triumph, yet it's often forbidden. Men also face limitations in clothing choices, with some items like skirts or midriff-baring tops eliciting strange looks or accusations of narcissism and toxic masculinity.
Activists advocating for gender-neutral bodies find the exposed male upper body challenging, as it highlights the persistent gender divide in fashion freedom. In contrast, women are not allowed to walk around without tops, and it is considered unpleasant to squeeze past sweaty backs and bellies.
The issue of bare-chest exposure in public is a complex one, reflecting longstanding gender norms about decency and sexuality. As society continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these norms will shift and whether the gender divide in fashion freedom will narrow.
In the meantime, the internet has become a platform for men to celebrate their shirtless moments, with popular hashtags like #Shirtlessmen or #shirtlessguys. Some men even aim for tan lines mimicking bikini lines, demonstrating the cultural shift towards body positivity and the normalization of the bare male chest.
[1] [Study on gender differences in comfort with public nudity] [2] [Social norms and legal restrictions on women's bare-chest exposure] [3] [Fines and social disapproval for shirtless walking affecting men and women differently] [4] [Fashion freedom for women and the taboo of bare-chest exposure in public settings] [5] [Everyday experiences of men and women with public nudity]
- The study on gender differences in comfort with public nudity indicates a notable disparity, as men express greater acceptance for public nudity compared to women in some Western countries.
- Fashion-and-beauty trends reveal an interesting dichotomy, with the bare male chest becoming popular, whereas women face stricter societal norms and legal restrictions that prohibit them from being bare-chested in public.
- Social-media platforms, like Instagram, are buzzing with hashtags such as #Shirtlessmen, showcasing a cultural shift towards body positivity and the normalization of the bare male chest, which starkly contrasts with the scrutiny and social control faced by women with the same exposure.
