Masculinity (also called manliness or manhood) is a set of attributes, behaviors, and roles generally associated with boys and men. Masculinity is made up of both socially defined and biologically created factors. This makes it distinct from the definition of the biological male sex, as both men and women can exhibit masculine traits and behaviors. People who exhibit a combination of both masculine and feminine characteristics in equal measure are considered to be androgynous.
Traits traditionally cited as masculine include courage, independence, and assertiveness, though traits associated with masculinity vary depending on location and context, and are influenced by a variety of social and cultural factors. In some non-English speaking cultures, certain concepts or inanimate objects are considered masculine. The counterpart to masculinity is femininity.
