1/ The inversion of traditional gender roles and other “cultural inversions” among elite groups is paralleled in dog ownership. The middle classes tend to own cute lap dogs, spaniels etc whereas the working class go for staffies & pitbulls.
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2/ A measure of this is self-protection in dangerous areas. Psychologically, it’s about substituting for a lack of social power with a scary dog. The dog intimidates other people, giving you the illusion of power. Elite groups have power, so can afford “soft” dogs (even men).
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3/ In a similar way, men in elite groups can afford to engage in gender role inversion etc because they have social power. They can use their willingness to appear “weak” as a signal of their high status. A lower class man can't afford to look “weak” or “inverted”.
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4/ Indeed, someone from the lower classes may only have their “traditional” musculature as evidence of any power. They’re not letting go of that. The higher class man has power to burn, so why not do the dishes? He can afford to do that.
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5/ And, in fact, he benefits in his social circles by showing that he is forward-thinking, i.e. he has power to burn. Similar story with immigration, being relaxed about it shows that you have nothing to fear...and you have nothing to fear because...high status.
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6/ This is what underlies the statement “strong men aren’t afraid to be in touch with their feelings.” This makes little sense to the lower classes, but in th elite circles from which it originates it is a means to signal influence & power.
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