In 1976, social psychologists Robert Brannon and Deborah David outlined four basic components of traditional masculinity, or the male sex role. Number one was ‘No Sissy Stuff’. The other three were ‘the Big Wheel’, which describes men’s quest for success and status as well as their need to be looked up to; ‘the Sturdy Oak’, which describes men’s air of toughness, confidence, and self-reliance, especially in a crisis; and ‘Give ’Em Hell’, which reflects the acceptability of violence, aggression and daring in men’s behaviour.
