Thread by @NBCNews

China proposes teaching masculinity to boys, as the state is alarmed by changing gender roles.

A top Chinese political adviser says that boys will soon become "delicate, timid and effeminate" unless action was taken. (1/6) nbcnews.to/2O4t4th

China's gender norms are rooted in traditional philosophy, in which two elements govern the world: Women are associated with the softer, more passive element of "yin"; men are represented by the tougher, more active element of "yang." (2/6) nbcnews.com/news/world/chi…

Ideas about China's gender roles have begun to change in recent years.

Since 2010, more girls than boys have entered universities and girls regularly outperform boys in standardized testing, calling into question the traditional view that boys are naturally more academic. (3/6)

Still, the Chinese government maintains a more conservative view of how men and women should behave.

Depictions of gay relationships are banned from Chinese television under a 2016 law barring "vulgar, immoral and unhealthy content." (4/6) nbcnews.com/news/world/chi…

"The concept of masculinity forces every man to be tough, which excludes and harms men with other types of characteristics," says the founder of 'Feminist Voices,' which was banned by China in 2018.

"It also reinforces men's hegemony, control and position over women." (5/6)

"Men are not necessarily aggressive, competitive and athletic, while women are not necessarily passive, emotional and soft," sociologist Fang Gang wrote.

"Good characteristics are unisex, which both girls and boys should learn." (6/6) #NBCNewsThreads nbcnews.com/news/world/chi…