What separates Indian men from guys in China

A recent study titled ' The Ideal Man' by global market research firm TNS explains through a comparative analysis what it means to be a man in the two cultures:

How are male and female identities defined?

In India, men are governed by the macho ideal of strength and muscularity, while the feminine is voluptuous and sensual yet modest.

In China, men can be quite androgynous and the demarcation between men and women less pronounced.

How do men bond with other men?

Male bonding is defined by the "boyswill-be-boys" themes and "permission to behave badly" in India. It's more about "breaking free" from the restrictions and obligations imposed by traditional roles than bonding with one's compatriots.

Chinese male get-togethers are less aggressive in comparison, marked by forms of 'ebullient excess' and friendly competition. Men can demonstrate qualities that are normally kept under wraps: strength, loyalty, and fortitude are vividly on display.

What is his ultimate purpose?

In India, spiritual wealth correlates strongly with material poverty.

In China, you must be rich to honour your ancestors and dependents. Your ability to donate a solid pure-gold statue of Buddha to a temple counts.

What gives the Ideal Man his X-factor?

Street smarts rule in India. The making do, shortcuts and work-arounds characterise Indian men.

In China, he is imagined to be motivated by ideas of selfimprovement, which are widely expressed in the practice of artistic forms such as calligraphy, Tai Chi or piano.

What is the Ideal Man's modus operandi?

The ideal Chinese man must, above all, be strategic and prudent. The ideal Indian man can be compared to the warrior, with a will to battle. He can also be the "benevolent father-fi gure" with occasional bouts of "uncontrollable anger".