Masculinity is a set of characteristics and behaviors that are associated with men, boys and male bodies. Masculinity is socially constructed and varies across time and place. Typically masculinity is characterized by competition, control, strength, sports, aggression,  power, decision-making and having and communicating fewer emotions.  Traditionally men are meant to be tough, have power and sometimes use violence to exert control. Schools and other educational institutions - sometimes deliberately and sometimes without meaning to - reinforce and teach masculinity that is harmful to all genders, including the boys who are learning it.

Gender-transformative education seeks to foster healthy masculinities that dismantle oppressive social norms and create new options and opportunities for men and boys that allow them to explore their personalities and characters without being hemmed in by narrow norms. This in turn can lead to more authentic and real gender relations not just between masculine and feminine persons but between men and boys themselves. Gender transformative education also helps learners realize that we all have “masculine” and “feminine” ideas and behaviours.