Most of us are still deciphering what it means to be man; in this post feminist world, life is complex, even contradictory. Like women, guys today have more options for identity than ever before.

As men’s identities and experiences have become fragmented there is no set model or pathway to being a man. Here’s few from men 18 – 24 years of age….

• The Good Bloke: down-to-earth, genuine, always clear where they stand, holds family values. The envy of us all, we can only hope he has a short dick!

• The Larrikin: playful wisecracker, never to be taken seriously. Light hearted, frank and honest. The life of a party and most of us get there after a few schooners.

• The Wit Warrior: Uses humour to reveal the truth, provokes and challenges. Quick witted, socially informed and a little confrontational. The smart arse from school (and now work!)

• The Fly Guy: Confidence, creative flair, a sense of style, and refinement. Rarely found on the street, but easily identified in magazine spread sandr red carpets.

• Understated Power: Self-assured, yet not big noting. He’s well recognised, but not known. Cool, calm, collected with hidden depths. We all want to be this guy.

As a bloke gets older, they may better identify with one of these…

• Young Carefrees: Unlikely to have kids, digital native and very friend focused. You’ll see him at the pub mid week.

• Above Average Joes: Gets married and have kids, thrives as a modern father / husband, works hard for that work / life balance (who doesn’t). They embrace the progressive view of masculinity, incredibly time poor and struggle to find ‘me’ time. Surely he’s visited www.dadsclub.com.au

• Good Ol’ Boys: Traditional values of masculinity: rugged, stoic, pragmatic. Prefer their wives to earn less than them and probably have the lowest income out of all of their mates. About a third will have a role model and they apply a DIY approach to life. Probably not the type of guy you want your daughter to marry!

• Mac Daddies: The modern man who leads a busy life. Has non-traditional values; enjoys shopping and is conscious of his looks. Mostly professional, working long hours – these are high powered thinkers. You’re probably working for one!

• Worry Warriors: Feels that life is worse for them than their dads. Married life and kids stress them out. They’re into technology but feel this just adds to their stress. They want a role model and have trouble finding anyone to look up to them. Destined to have a mid-life crisis.

It is highly probable that most of us drift between a few of these identities pending the environment and mood that we are in. “Versatility is an attractive trait. Being versatile in different situations is regarded as a quality and the better you are at it, the more masculine you feel” said James Pike.

Be warned, adapting to a range of these identities can be annoying and dangerous. Be yourself and be aware of who you are not.

Research conducted by the consultancy Added Value; interviewed NSW men aged 18-24.
Identities 6 to 10 based on Men’s Segmentation Study undertaken by Men’s TV