ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the basis for understanding the male brain and its connections to the body, and focuses on some physiologic origins for the diversity of male behavior. To consider masculinity as dependent on innate biologic factors is to misunderstand the basis of genetics. But to consider masculinity as a purely social construct with no physiologic basis is scientifically dangerous. Men’s studies must take into consideration that testosterone levels are associated in some way with aggression; men have a broad range of biologically determined testosterone levels; and these levels can be enhanced or reduced by social environment. Early behavior and testosterone levels seem to indicate the child at risk of becoming a criminal. The ability to predict, with reasonable accuracy, the behavior of an individual creates a dilemma for the social scientist.
