Mr. Dunhy's Masculinity In Modern Family

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Modern Family, a relatively recent sitcom, has engaged a variety of audiences as it highlights contemporary family dynamics in both an entertaining and informative manner. From the television show’s witty humor to the abundance of relatable characters, Modern Family offers a glimpse into various types of families, including nuclear, blended, and same-sex structures. Each individual character successfully portrays a different facet of family life while emphasizing the diversity of relationships within today’s society. A recurring theme throughout this show is its exploration of gender roles within the context of diverse family structures. From the mostly traditional Dunphy family to the same-sex couple, Mitchell and Cameron, Modern Family highlights …show more content…

This comment prompts Mr. Dunphy to take matters into his own hands and assert masculinity by buying his son a new, more masculine-looking bike. Phil’s actions encompass the societal expectations of fathers as authority figures and providers within a family. One societal expectation often placed on men is the characteristic of being strong and assertive. The implication of the comment questioning Phil’s son’s masculinity triggers his own protective instinct and desire to assert dominance in his role as a father. This aspect of Mr. Dunphy’s character further establishes the traditional notion that men should be strong, protective, and decisive within their family. Contrastingly, Mitchell and Cameron challenge traditional gender roles as a same-sex couple raising their adopted daughter. As Mitchell displays concern about his non-traditional family appearing “normal” to others, he also indicates the pressure and conflicts associated with his family structure. The stigma that often attaches itself to their family structure is something that Mitchell clearly wants to avoid, and as a result, he attempts to change his husband’s

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