Manifestations of Masculinity in Contemporary Uzbek Families: An Ethnopsychological Perspective

Abstract (English)

In recent global discourse, scholars have increasingly drawn attention to perceived “crises of masculinity,” the feminization of male roles, and the declining presence of father figures. Against this backdrop, the varied expressions of masculinity in Uzbek society offer a revealing case study. This paper analyzes the ethnopsychological dimensions of masculinity in contemporary Uzbek families, with a particular focus on how patriarchy, tradition, and modern values intersect in everyday life.
Employing an interdisciplinary framework that combines field observations, individual and group interviews, and psycho-diagnostic surveys, the author conducted empirical research from 2013 to 2024 in Tashkent, Khorezm, and Namangan provinces. Data collected from 210 married individuals (both men and women of different ages and social strata) shed light on multiple layers of male identity. The findings suggest that fatherhood remains central to the cultural ideal of masculinity; however, its significance hinges less on the quantity of children and more on the gender of offspring. For many participants, producing a son is perceived as affirming one’s manhood.
Further analysis explores the interplay between biological, intellectual, and physical attributes of masculinity. Men often rank intellectual capability alongside physical strength and biological markers, with many contending that intelligence is the core indicator of true manhood. In contrast, women’s views on masculinity place far greater emphasis on a man’s intellect while downplaying physical or sexual attributes. Paradoxically, while patriarchal norms remain officially dominant, the research reveals an undercurrent of feminization—men’s reduced participation in child-rearing, the potential weakening of paternal authority, and the emergence of grandmother or maternal authority in many households.
Taken together, these findings show that historical and religious legacies, cultural traditions, educational influences, and media representations all shape evolving concepts of “Uzbek manhood.” They further indicate that, in the future, cultural stereotypes surrounding masculinity may increasingly converge with, or even be supplanted by, those traditionally associated with femininity, as gender roles continue to evolve in this rapidly transforming society.