Historical Context (Boys Don’t Cry)

The section explores the historical context of Boys Don’t Cry by Malorie Blackman. Boys Don’t Cry by Malorie Blackman, published in 2010, is a contemporary novel that explores themes of teenage parenthood, masculinity, and family dynamics. The story centres on Dante Bridgeman, a seventeen-year-old boy whose life is turned upside down when he unexpectedly becomes a father. With his younger brother Adam and a supportive but struggling single father, Dante must navigate the challenges of young fatherhood, societal expectations, and his own dreams. The novel addresses complex issues like gender roles, discrimination, and social attitudes towards parenting, providing readers with a raw look at the realities of growing up.

Social and Historical Context

Teenage Parenthood and Changing Social Attitudes

During the early 2000s, there was significant concern in the UK over the rise in teenage pregnancies, sparking debates on sex education, access to contraceptives, and social stigma.

Teenage parenthood was, and still often is, seen as a barrier to personal and academic success, especially for young men. Society traditionally expects mothers to take on primary parenting responsibilities, and young fathers are often stereotyped as irresponsible or absent.

Boys Don’t Cry challenges these perceptions by focusing on a young father who chooses to embrace his parenting responsibilities. By doing so, Blackman raises questions about gender roles and the double standards society imposes on young parents.

Changing Views on Masculinity

Throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries, societal expectations of masculinity began to shift, with greater acceptance of men expressing vulnerability, emotional depth, and tenderness. Traditional “macho” stereotypes were being questioned as a new generation embraced more fluid ideas of gender.

Blackman’s novel is set against this backdrop, with Dante confronting what it means to be a man. He struggles with showing vulnerability, an experience exacerbated by societal expectations that “real men” should not cry or feel overwhelmed.

Through Dante and Adam’s journey, Blackman challenges the toxic aspects of masculinity that discourage men from showing emotions, promoting a more open view of masculinity that includes caregiving, nurturing, and emotional expression.

The Role of Family Structures

Blackman also explores the evolution of family structures, particularly single-parent families and sibling relationships. By the time the novel was published, single-parent households had become more common in the UK, with shifting attitudes towards alternative family setups.

In Boys Don’t Cry, Dante’s father is a single parent who works hard to raise his two sons alone. This dynamic reflects the reality for many families and highlights the pressures faced by single parents, especially in balancing work, financial pressures, and raising children.

The strained but loving relationship between Dante and his father highlights the challenges and resilience that can come from non-traditional family arrangements, encouraging readers to question the importance society places on a “nuclear family” model.

LGBTQ+ Issues and Homophobia

Blackman includes LGBTQ+ themes through Adam, Dante’s younger brother, who faces homophobic bullying. This reflects a significant social issue in the UK, as LGBTQ+ individuals have long faced discrimination, even though societal acceptance was increasing around the time of the novel’s publication.

The 2000s were a period of significant legal advancements for LGBTQ+ rights in the UK, such as the repeal of Section 28 in 2003, which had prohibited the “promotion” of homosexuality in schools. Although acceptance was growing, homophobia was still a pressing issue for many young people.

Through Adam’s experiences, Blackman addresses the harmful effects of homophobia and the importance of acceptance, both within families and society. Adam’s story serves as a call for compassion and understanding, showing how family support can be crucial in helping LGBTQ+ individuals cope with prejudice.

Key Themes in Historical Context

Gender Roles and Expectations

Blackman’s decision to have a male protagonist face the challenges of teenage parenthood challenges historical gender expectations. Traditionally, women are seen as primary caregivers, and Blackman’s portrayal of Dante as a young father challenges stereotypes of masculinity and caregiving roles.

Social Stigma and Identity

The novel examines the social stigma that teenage parents, particularly young fathers, often face. In the early 2000s, teenage pregnancy was a controversial topic, often depicted in a negative light by the media. Dante’s journey shows the reality behind the stigma, offering a more nuanced view of teenage parenthood.

Resilience in the Face of Discrimination

Adam’s experience with homophobic bullying reflects the challenges LGBTQ+ youth often face, even as society grows more inclusive. His resilience, supported by his family, highlights the importance of empathy, while also showing the continued struggle for acceptance many LGBTQ+ individuals encounter.

Boys Don’t Cry offers readers a view into the complexities of contemporary British society, addressing gender roles, family dynamics, and prejudice. The novel’s historical context highlights the evolving societal views on masculinity, teenage parenthood, and LGBTQ+ acceptance. Blackman’s story is one of resilience and growth, encouraging readers to question social norms, confront prejudice, and understand the power of empathy and family support.