Alternative Male Role Models in Shaping a Boy’s Identity
In shaping a boy’s personality, alternative figures of male authority, such as the grandfather and older brother, play a significant role. When the father is absent or his role in the family is secondary, it becomes especially important to ensure that the child has the opportunity to interact with adult men. For example, one source notes: "In a single-parent family, the absence of a father can affect the boy’s character. Traits such as submissiveness, carelessness, and effeminacy may develop. Therefore, a single mother should ensure that the boy has the opportunity to interact with adult men: his grandfather, friends." (source: link txt)The older brother acts as a mentor, imparting not only knowledge but also serving as an example of what a man should be. In fact, one text provides an example when the older brother helps the younger master important skills: "Peter quickly learned the primer, the Hours, and the Psalter; the older brother taught him writing as well. Once the boy mastered literacy, he devoted himself with special love to reading the Scriptures of both the Old and New Testaments..." (source: link txt)Furthermore, it is emphasized that older brothers should exhibit a degree of paternal affection toward the younger ones, which helps the latter develop their values and character: "Older brothers should embody some degree of paternal feeling towards the younger ones." (source: link txt)This family dynamic, where the grandfather and older brother serve as important role models, is considered normal and even essential for the harmonious development of a boy, especially in the absence or insufficient involvement of the father. It allows the child to rely on positive male experiences and to acquire skills related to self-identification and the formation of life principles.