The Construction of Anger in Women and Men

Abstract

While our culture constantly evokes anger, it also places constraints on the expression of anger. The constraints for women are different, and more restrictive, than those for men. Women’s assigned subordinate position generates anger. Women’s traditional roles and internalized cultural concepts of “femininity,” however, entwine to characterize their expressions of anger as pathological. Men, in contrast, are encouraged to act aggressively. Nonetheless, as boys they typically learn to suppress and deflect anger so that their genuine understanding of the emotional experience of anger is questionable. A new conceptualization, acceptance, and constructive use of anger could lead both women and men to more honest, direct communication and action.