The Paradox of Protective Masculinity: How Conservative Boundaries and Non-Exploitative Presence Create Uninhibited Female Intimacy
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Contemporary gender studies and sociological frameworks predominantly conceptualize traditional orconservative male boundaries—such as protective gestures, reservations regarding cohabitation, ormodesty policing—as mechanisms of patriarchal control and possessive dominance. This paper introducesthe Framework of Protective Masculinity, uncovering a paradoxical phenomenon in interpersonaldynamics: clear, non-exploitative protective boundaries established by a male companion can serve as theprimary catalyst for absolute female psychological safety. When conservative boundaries stem fromgenuine paternalistic welfare rather than insecurity-driven policing, women experience a completedisarming of defensive guards. Drawing upon attachment theory, evolutionary psychology, and socialsignaling, this study demonstrates how a man’s ethical self-mastery and clear protective frameworkestablish a secure sanctuary. Within this sanctuary, women feel uninhibited to express authentic somaticagency, share unfiltered sexual discourse, and initiate intimate tactile proximity without fear of judgment,reputational damage, or opportunistic sexual escalation.
Author: Min, Jinseong
Language: English
Topic: Gender and Feminist Studies
Subfield: Gender Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7204565755
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