Rob Henderson Argues Manhood is a Cultural Construct to be Earned

Boston, MA – In a thought-provoking essay published in the Boston Globe's Ideas section on August 20, 2025, author and psychologist Rob Henderson posited that manhood is not an inherent biological trait but rather a social construct that must be actively earned through cultural conditioning and societal expectations. Henderson, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and author of "Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class," drew on anthropological insights to challenge conventional understandings of masculinity.

Henderson asserted, > "Manhood is not a biological fact. It’s a social role, built around expectations and obligations. Being male is biological, but in cultures all over the world and throughout history, manhood has been a title — a status one must earn." He referenced anthropologist David Gilmore's 1991 book, "Manhood in the Making," to support his argument that mature masculinity is "artificially induced through culture." This process, he explained, is often necessary to counteract what Gilmore describes as the natural tendencies of young males toward "apathy, self-indulgence, and laziness."

The essay highlighted a perceived detachment among many young men today, who appear "checked out" and "coasting through life." Historically, societies have employed various rituals and incentives to guide boys into manhood, rewarding those who embraced hardship and contributed to the community with honor and status. Henderson noted, for instance, that men who were cultural contributors were said to have "strong heads," while those who "consumed more than they produced" were shamed.

Henderson explored the paradox of modern masculinity, where wealthy societies often mock or pathologize masculine strength, questioning its necessity. He argued that society faces a dual challenge: constraining harmful male behaviors while simultaneously cultivating positive traits in the majority of men. His personal journey, including being challenged to be the "man of the house" at age 13 by his adoptive mother and her partner, underscored his belief that true manhood is a title that demands active effort and responsibility.