‘It’s Raining Men’ was a song that lots of women loved -and some guys too –because people love having lots of men around. It could even be argued that women love men around more than men do. The masculine is sexy, funny, tender, strong, playful and serious and cannot be reduced to a set of norms -but lots of men don’t get that.
Masculinity for many men is a detached perception of manhood that is often very damaging and destructive. From social images of men to being around for family, masculinity should be challenged by men when it is destructive. Negative interpretations of masculinity have even been responsible for killing men -particularly when it comes to going to the doctor.
Studies on being masculine outlined characteristics that many men identified with and these included:
- taking risks;
- being self-reliant;
- avoiding behaviors and characteristics associated with femininity;
- a disdain or avoidance of gay individuals;
- the need to control emotions;
- having power over women;
- prioritize winning;
- exhibiting dominance;
- maintain primacy of work;
- pursuing status and
- embracing violence
(Brannon, 1976; Mahalik et al., 2003; Thompson, Pleck, & Ferrera, 1992; Walker, Tokar, & Fischer, 2000)
The most serious problem that this external list creates is an increased engagement in health risk behaviors, decreased engagement in health-promoting behaviors, and perceived barriers to health-promoting behaviors. Thinking that there is a masculine way and a feminine way to make health decisions is absurd and must be changed.
Avoidance of femininity is a central tenant in traditional masculinity norms where men avoid beliefs and behaviors that may be perceived as feminine and weak. Seeking help from medical professionals is considered a weakness and retreating from people when seriously ill to hide the lack of ‘strength’ comes from this irrational decision making.
Making decisions that keep you healthy and around for the people that love you is smart not (just) feminine. Indeed, being strong requires maintenance and commitment -traits that should replace the aversion to femininity on the ‘masculinity list’. Men should determine masculinity not society because masculinity is a construct that needs no definition -and that’s that.
Next week ……..How boys and girls handle bullying
Why being a man might be killing you!
Disclaimer
The article below is for informational purposes and is not intended to replace professional advice. For health related information please consult a health professional prior to commencing any program including a exercise or dietary program.
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