It’s time we started celebrating masculinity

Alpha males are the product of high levels of testosterone, which increases aggression. This, contrary to popular opinion, is a useful trait: it makes people brave, reactive and better in battle

Artist Grayson Perry poses for a portrait at Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia

Masculinity has become an unfashionable concept of late, called into question by Grayson Perry – who, recently examined its purpose for his book The Descent of Man. Earlier in the year on Channel 4, he said it was “decorative” and “counterproductive”, before adding that Bear Grylls “celebrates a masculinity that is useless”.

Such snobbery against machismo is commonplace now. From the playground to modern life, expressions of testosterone are frowned upon. “Lad culture“ is dirty and dangerous; physical fighting practically banned, with men told to "walk away" from conflict and “be the bigger man”. Now we must solve all our problems through a chat and cup of tea.

But the truth is that masculinity is useful. This primitive instinct has a protective function and – this year alone – I’ve never been more grateful for the very trait that has, and will, help nations battle against evil forces. Masculinity has, arguably, inspired immense bravery from the public.

Over time, the very existence of masculinity has been challenged. Many seem to think that it is socially constructed – make believe, even – and can be encouraged or discouraged through our everyday interactions. This is in spite of a wealth of literature that shows people are the product of nature and nurture; and by virtue of being male; the average man is gifted with a huge dollop of masculine traits at birth.

Masculinity, like many psychological phenomenons, is a spectrum thing; men differ in levels of it, as do women. Alpha males are the product of high levels of testosterone, which increases aggression. This, contrary to popular opinion, is a useful trait: it makes people brave, reactive and better in battle. Testosterone has been known to make people territorial too. Scientists have found that footballers demonstrate a substantial rise in the stuff before playing a home game. It even has important organisational structures in the male brain, and can help with spatial ability, which proves useful in combat and many other jobs.

All in all, it is great to be macho. And I wish our society celebrated, and encouraged, masculinity – instead of sneering at its expression. I blame the Perrys of this world for denying masculinity as a biological construct, and trying to mesh women and men together. The very same people who will tell you that differences make society stronger – though cannot apply it as a psychological rule. The fact is that plenty of scientific literature shows that from hormones, to cortical thickness, to strength and stamina, we vary overall.

Boys must be boys, and masculinity must be allowed to flourish, especially in this time. More than ever we are coming up against violent forces. Male traits, like aggression, clearly confer an advantage in combat. That is not to say that women cannot exhibit these characteristics; there are many who have proved remarkable in battle – the Female Fighters of Kurdistan, for instance – nor that women cannot exhibit prowess in a different way. Only that masculinity shouldn't be discouraged.

In truth, it is a great thing, that I’m increasingly indebted too. When I walked through a fight several years ago, never was I more grateful to see four macho coppers burst onto the scene; I'll never forget the man who protected me from another on a walk through Oxford Street last year. With such atrocities taking place all the time, I thank my lucky stars for the brave souls who want to stop it.

Masculinity is not to be sniffed at; it is not “useless”. It is something we all need for a prosperous and surviving society.