By Mansi Tripathi
Society is an intricate system of gender norms, that informally dictate gender roles, power dynamics, standards, and expectations within a specific social environment and time. These norms create a hierarchical structure of power and privilege that favours masculine traits over feminine traits contributing to systemic inequality and limiting opportunities for women, men, and gender minorities to express their true selves[1]. These norms also have a significant impact on individuals affecting their self-esteem, self-identity and overall well-being.
The impact of gender norms on men’s psychological health is equally significant to that of women. Men are often expected to conform to specific behaviours, emotional expressions, and roles that may not align with their true selves. Traditional gender norms frequently pressure young males to exhibit characteristics of invulnerability, emotional restraint, strength, and competitiveness. These norms often prioritise attributes such as emotional regulation, resilience, anger, and aggression. The strain of conforming to these expectations can have severe consequences for men’s mental health. Men who rigidly adhere to masculine norms exhibit poorer mental health outcomes and are likely to seek help when necessary. Unfortunately, this results in higher suicide rates among males and a lower likelihood than women to seek assistance for psychological health concerns.
Traditional Masculinity
The idea of traditional masculinity embodies beliefs that men should be emotionally impassive, authoritative, resilient, heterosexual, highly sexual, independent, mechanically proficient, and generally contrary to anything deemed feminine.[2] Fulfilling needs through aggression, exerting control over others, or severely limiting emotional expression are commonly seen as essential traits of being a “real man”.[3] However, the intricacies inherent in traditional masculinity can lead to negative consequences, putting men at risk of physical, psychological, and social distress. These consequences include limited opportunities for psychological development and an elevated risk of insecurity in establishing connections, an increased chance of violent responses towards people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, and the potential for conflict in intimate relationships. Traditional masculinity can also promote hazardous or deviant sexual activities, induce stress and disagreements related to gender roles, and lead to emotional restrain and a greater likelihood of experiencing disrupted or absent intimacy in relationships.
As highlighted earlier, men who rigidly adhere to masculine norms exhibit poorer mental health outcomes and are less likely to seek help when necessary, leading to higher suicide rates among males and a lower likelihood than women to seek assistance for psychological health concerns. Therefore, it’s crucial to strike a balance and comprehend that while certain traits and behaviours are acceptable, they should be flexible rather than rigid to prevent any adverse impact on health.
The Strong Man Stereotype And Resistance To Assistance
The traditional stereotype of the “tough guy” is a product of a societal expectation that emphasizes men’s independence and physical strength. This image often portrays men as individuals who can handle their problems on their own, without assistance. Unfortunately, this can create a stigma around seeking help, particularly for emotional or psychological issues, as it may be seen as a sign of weakness or vulnerability. It is widely recognized that men are less likely than women to seek professional help for mental health issues, largely due to the stigma associated with vulnerability.[4]
This unwillingness to seek help can have severe repercussions. When men are dissuaded from, seeking assistance they may attempt to deal with their issues alone, resulting in feelings of loneliness and the worsening of mental health problems. Additionally, without professional aid, these issues may go unnoticed or untreated, which can lead to the deterioration of symptoms over time.
Further, the traditional stereotype of masculinity can lead to negative coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse or aggression, as men may turn to these in place of seeking professional support. It is imperative to challenge these rigid gender norms and encourage men to seek help when necessary, to promote better mental health outcomes.
Impact On Relationship
Gender norms, especially those regarding traditional masculinity, can have a significant impact on men’s relationships and interpersonal dynamics. These norms often dictate how men should behave in their interactions with others, which can sometimes lead to difficulties. For example, the traditional masculinity norm that men should be emotionally stoic and independent can make it challenging for them to express their feelings openly. It is well-established that men who feel their masculinity is threatened are more likely to engage in aggressive behaviours, which can damage their relationships and worsen psychological distress[5].
These rigid gender norms can create significant barriers in men’s relationships, preventing them from forming deep, meaningful connections with others and leading to feelings of isolation. Moreover, the pressure to conform to these norms can cause psychological stress, which can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. Men who feel they don’t fit into the traditional masculine mould may experience feelings of inadequacy or fear of rejection exacerbating their stress levels and further impacting their mental health.
Moreover, these norms can contribute to harmful behaviours, such as the belief that men should be dominant, which can lead to power imbalances in relationships and potentially abusive behaviour. Therefore, it is crucial to promote a more inclusive understanding of masculinity that encourages emotional openness and vulnerability in men and fosters a culture where all individuals feel accepted and valued for who they are, regardless of whether they conform to traditional gender norms or not.
Suicide Rate And Mental Health
The impact of gender norms on men’s mental health is unfortunately reflected in the statistics related to suicide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), men represent about three-quarters of all suicide deaths globally[6]. This disproportionate rate can be linked to societal expectations of masculinity, which dictate that men should embody strength and self-reliance, and discourage them from seeking help when they are struggling emotionally. Consequently. this can lead to feelings of isolation, as they may feel that they have to deal with their problems alone. Additionally, the expectation that men should suppress their emotions can exacerbate their psychological distress.
When men are unable to express their feelings or seek help, their emotional turmoil can intensify. This can lead to a sense of hopelessness and despair, which are significant risk factors for suicide. Therefore, it’s crucial to challenge these harmful gender norms and encourage men to seek help when they’re struggling emotionally or psychologically. It is important to normalise seeking help and to make it clear that doing so is a sign of strength, not weakness. Encouraging men to seek help when they need it can be a vital step in preventing suicide and improving mental health outcomes.
Breaking Stereotype
At present, there's a growing acknowledgement that the established norms linked with the male gender warrant examination and deconstruction. The discussion surrounding the concept of “Toxic masculinity"[7] has played a crucial role in exposing the detrimental stereotypes embedded in societal expectations of manhood. This realisation has spurred a transformative change towards a more comprehensive, varied, and nuanced comprehension of authentic manhood.
Positive Alterations and Movements: Initiatives confronting and questioning "harmful masculinity" have arisen as potent agents for transformation. By spotlighting the adverse stereotypes linked to being male, these movements have actively contributed to cultivating a more all-encompassing perception of masculinity. Their impact has fostered a more wholesome outlook, prompting men to embrace a wider array of emotions and behaviours that challenge traditional norms.
Redefining Male Identity: Leading the charge in reshaping masculinity are positive role models who boldly embrace vulnerability and empathy. These trailblazers eschew the confines of societal expectations, illustrating that genuine fulfilment lies in embracing a varied range of traits, some traditionally associated with femininity. Their inspirational narratives act as guiding lights, inspiring others to defy stereotypes and nurturing a more inclusive and varied understanding of masculinity.
Initiatives and Advocacy: Several initiatives and advocacy efforts have reshaped societal attitudes and cultivated open discussions about mental health. These campaigns, having gained considerable momentum, have effectively contested stereotypes and contributed to encouraging healthier perspectives on masculinity. Their impact goes beyond mere awareness, actively influencing cultural perceptions and dismantling antiquated norms.
Educational and Awareness Initiatives: Education emerges as a potent instrument in challenging stereotypes, with early intervention programs in educational institutions, workplaces, and communities playing a pivotal role. These endeavours aim to reshape perspectives from a young age, instilling a more comprehensive understanding of masculinity and nurturing healthier attitudes towards mental health. By integrating these programs into various facets of life, we pave the way for a future generation free from constrictive gender norms.
Cultural and Media Impact: The widespread influence of media and prevailing culture on societal norms cannot be overstated. Through a meticulous analysis of media portrayals, instances emerge where unconventional depictions of masculinity are positively highlighted. Diverse media representation holds the potential to challenge deeply rooted stereotypes and contribute to a more inclusive understanding of masculinity, fostering a cultural shift towards acceptance and diversity.
Cross-Cultural Insights: Adopting a global viewpoint on masculinity reveals how distinct cultures either challenge or reinforce established stereotypes. Cultures that embrace a broader spectrum of masculine expressions offer valuable insights for broader societal transformation. By drawing lessons from these cross-cultural perspectives, we can cultivate a global discourse that transcends borders, advocating for a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of masculinity.
Promoting Diverse Expression: The acceptance of varied expressions within masculinity serves as a cornerstone for enhancing mental well-being. Embracing individual distinctions and promoting a diversity of expression contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of masculinity. By dismantling rigid expectations, we pave the way for improved psychological health among men, nurturing a society that values authenticity and individuality.
Conclusion
While gender norms impact both genders, they have distinct consequences for men’s mental health. The pressure to conform to traditional masculinity can lead to emotional suppression, reluctance to seek help, difficulties in relationships, and tragically, increased suicide rates. Recognising the harmful effects of these norms on men’s health is a crucial step in promoting gender equality and improving mental health outcomes for everyone.
Initiatives that challenge harmful gender norms and promote open discussions about men’s mental health can help alleviate the adverse impacts mentioned above and cultivate a more inclusive and supportive society. It is crucial to recognise the various ways in which gender norms influence individuals in our pursuit of a world where everyone can authentically express themselves without fear of judgment or stigma.
The author of this article is Mansi Tripathi, a third-year B.Sc.LLB. student at School of Law, Forensic Justice and Policy Studies (SLFJPS), National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
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[2] Levant, R. F., Hall, R. J., & Rankin, T. J. (2013). “Male Role Norms Inventory–Short Form (MRNI-SF): Development, confirmatory factor analytic investigation of structure, and measurement invariance across gender”. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 60(2), 228–238. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0031545
[3]Pamela B. Paresky, “What's the Problem with "Traditional Masculinity”?” ,Posted March 10, 2019, available at: What's the Problem with "Traditional Masculinity"? | Psychology Today
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[5] Vandello, J. A., & Cohen, D. (2003). “Male honor and female fidelity: Implicit cultural scripts that perpetuate domestic violence”. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(5), 997–1010. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.84.5.997
[6] World Health Organization (WHO). (2019). Suicide. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/suicide.
[7] Harrington, Carol. (2020). What is “Toxic Masculinity” and Why Does it Matter? Men and Masculinities. 24. 1097184X2094325.10.1177/1097184X20943254.,<https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343038007_What_is_Toxic_Masculinity_and_Why_Does_it_Matter>
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