‘Boy mom’ identity highlights tensions shaping modern masculinity

(NewsNation) — The “boy mom” identity embraced by some mothers on social media is highlighting competing cultural narratives around modern masculinity, according to author Ruth Whippman.

In a Wednesday interview on NewsNation’s “On Balance,” Whippman discussed her new book, “Boy Mom: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity.”

Whippman, a mother of three boys, said the “boy mom” hashtag popular online can perpetuate sexist stereotypes. But she said her book explores young males’ broader challenges amid conflicting societal expectations.

“Boys at the moment are caught between these two definitions of manhood,” Whippman said. Outdated norms dictated boys suppress emotions to “man up,” while newer narratives depict boys as privileged and powerful, she explained.

“Boys, in general, are feeling shut down from all sides,” Whippman said. “They’re isolated, and I think they just don’t know how to be.”

Research shows parents speak differently to sons than daughters and don’t impart the same social-emotional skills to boys, according to Whippman. This leaves many young males lonely and ill-equipped to process emotions healthily.

She argued this confluence of factors has created an environment where boys feel they have no space to express vulnerability and emotions openly. Many are retreating into isolated, resentful reclusion as a result.

Whippman conducted multiyear interviews with around 50 boys for her book. Many hit puberty amid the rise of the #MeToo movement and now feel resentful about navigating campus life and the voting age, she said.

“We need to engage with them in a more generous way and give them some space,” Whippman said of raising modern boys.