This article explores changes in masculinity among Chinese men facing infertility, indicating cultural influences on their experiences.
In this article, we explore the transformation of masculinity among Chinese men throughout their infertility journey, focusing on the interplay of "gang" (hardness) and "rou" (softness) dimensions of masculinity. We documented the embodied experiences and diverse practices of Chinese men with infertility, revealing how cultural factors shape their masculinity. Our research indicates that the "gang" and "rou" aspects of masculinity in men with infertility are not mutually exclusive binaries but are interwoven and dynamically transformed within specific life contexts. This demonstrates the multifaceted possibilities and malleability of masculinity in the face of modern societal change and individual life experiences.
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Long et al. (2026) studied this question.
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