Masculine Norms Research Articles

Discourses of (Dis)trust and Hegemonic Masculinity: Service Providers’ Perspectives on the Disclosure Process of Men Who Have Experienced Sexual Violence in Childhood

ABSTRACT In this article, we explore the discourses of service providers that influence the disclosure process for men who have experienced childhood sexual violence (CHSV). Previous research has shown that it is typical for men to take over a decade to disclose their experiences of CHSV. Disclosing to a service provider can lead to receiving necessary help, yet men who have experienced CHSV often face gendered challenges within the Finnish healthcare system. Several support organizations for sexual violence were contacted using a non-probability sampling technique to recruit participants. The data for this qualitative study were collected through semi-structured interviews with eight service providers who work with male clients. The data were analyzed using critical discourse analysis. Our findings reveal that men typically do not seek help specifically for CHSV; rather, the issue often emerges while discussing other problems. We identified two distinct discourses that affect help-seeking and disclosure of CHSV by male survivors: a) the discourse of (dis)trust, which is closely connected to whether men discuss their traumatic experiences, and b) the discourse of hegemonic masculinities, in which normative masculinities inhibit men from disclosing. We recommend increasing general awareness of CHSV through various campaigns and incorporating sexual violence education into the curricula for healthcare students.

Guns, Thorns, and Zeal: Popular Depictions of a Kombative Christ

What are the political, gender, and theological implications at stake when associating Jesus with modern combat and righteous violence? Jesus is rendered in combative form across media—i.e., live-action films and shorts, animated television, sketch comedy, graphic novels, and video games. This rendition occurs at a confluence of meaning, most immediately for the sake of generating comedy through juxtaposition (in this case, rendering the meek with a sword) and/or reaffirming Jesus’ prominent cultural value through an association with other popularly mediatized entities. Beyond these initial layers of significance, however, I argue that Jesus becomes associated with violence and brutality for the sake of de/legitimizing politically conservative ideologies with respect to Christianity and American exceptionalism, redeeming the crisis of “domesticated masculinity” and fortifying traditional masculine norms, and theologically reinstituting popular paradigms of low Christology. Ideological “manhood” remains traced to one’s ability to perform traditional gender roles (i.e., family provider, community protector, and father/procreator). To capture the discrepancy that Jesus of Nazareth, as presented in canonical gospels, largely concerns none of these roles, I analyze the hypermasculine Christ, and the various weapons he employs, as part of a popular genealogy of Western value systems and discourse. Though in this article I reference some examples of non-American media, I reserve my analysis and commentary for the stakes and implications of what it means for U.S. Americans to produce and consume such content. In short, I submit that popular America idolizes itself in the form—one amidst many—of a naïve, combative, and boorish Christ: an arrogant and, at times, narcissistic man with delusional views of the world made dangerous through invasive power and authority. Western entertainment has deemed the United States (through its fictional stand-ins) as morally failing yet still chosen. Within this logic, American Christians need not reform their ways as long as they cultivate evidence of their exceptionalism.

Does help-seeking mediate the relationship between the masculine norm of self-reliance and suicidal thoughts among men?

This study aimed to explore the relationship between the masculine norm of self-reliance and suicidal thoughts among Australian men, hypothesising that lack of help-seeking might mediate the relationship between high self-reliance and the emergence of suicidal thoughts. This study used data from on the Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health 'Ten to Men', a prospective longitudinal cohort study that began in 2013/2014 with boys and men aged 10-55 years (N = 16,021) at wave 1. The focus was on men who participated in waves 1 and 2 (2013/2014, 2015/2016) and had linked administrative data. A causal mediation analysis was conducted to quantify the total effect of self-reliance at wave 1 on suicidal thoughts at wave 2, and to investigate the extent of mediation by help-seeking between waves 1 and 2. High self-reliance was associated with an increased odds of suicidal thoughts (OR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.24-1.72). However, there was no significant mediating effect of a lack of help-seeking on the relationship between self-reliance and suicidal thoughts (OR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.99-1.01). Findings suggest that highly self-reliant men are at an increased risk of experiencing suicidal thoughts; however, this relationship is not explained by lack of help-seeking. Future studies could explore other potential mechanisms to better understand why highly self-reliant men are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts.

Masculinities in a feminist pedagogy: lessons for transformative gender and agriculture training

Masculinities and femininities are closely interconnected with men and women farmers’ everyday lives; hence critical reflection on these interconnections should be central in gender training in agriculture. While a focus on men and masculinities is crucial for sustainable transformation of deep-rooted gender norms and practices that limit the attainment of gender equality, there are insufficient empirically tested pedagogical models for this purpose. We share a case study, the Gender Responsive Researchers Equipped for Agricultural Transformation (GREAT) model, which incorporates masculinities in a feminist pedagogy. We use external monitoring, evaluation, and learning data for two case study courses that integrate gender in plant breeding, seed systems, and agronomy to demonstrate the efficacy of integrating the concept of masculinity and reflections on male farmers’ expectations, behaviors, and practices within a feminist approach to gender training. We conclude that feminist pedagogical practices offer insights into how gender training can integrate a masculinities perspective to move beyond divisive and narrow gender polarities towards addressing masculine norms that often hinder the attainment of gender transformation.

Exploring the Influence of Masculine Norms on Suicidal Ideation and Help-Seeking Behavior.

Background: Men account for 75% of all suicide deaths in Australia. Societally dominant masculine norms have been theorized to be linked with suicidality and reduced help-seeking. However, evidence is needed to establish this relationship further. Aims: To further understand the relationships between 11 masculine norms, suicidal ideation, and mental health help-seeking behavior longitudinally in Australian males. Method: We analyzed data from a cohort of 8,214 males (aged 18-55 years), using logistic regression to examine if conformity to any of the 11 masculine norms measured by the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory (CMNI-22) at Wave 1 was associated with suicidal ideation and help-seeking at Wave 2. Results: Analyses revealed that being in the high conformity group for the norm of emotional control at Wave 1 was associated with higher odds of suicidal ideation longitudinally. Being in the low conformity group for the global construct of masculine norms and the specific norms of emotional control and power over women was associated with higher rates of mental health help-seeking behavior longitudinally. Limitations: The CMNI-22 scale's limited construct validity and the use of a single-item measure for suicidal ideation may have restricted the accurate capture of masculine norms and suicidal behaviors in Australian men. Conclusion: These results provide support for the contention that suicidality is a profoundly gendered phenomenon by showing an association between masculine norms and suicidal ideation in men. These norms should be a point of focus of male suicide prevention initiatives.

Examining Sex-Based Delays in Utilizing Advocacy Support Services Among Australian Military Veterans: Implications for Health Care Access and Suicide Prevention

This study explores the impact of sex on delays experienced by Australian military veterans in accessing advocacy support services within the veterans’ non-profit sector. A detailed analysis of intake records from 150 injured veterans who entered the Returned and Services League of Australia’s advocacy program in 2021 reveals significant disparities between male and female veterans in seeking assistance. On average, male veterans delay accessing support by 20.4 years post-service, compared to 9.1 years for female veterans. These prolonged delays hinder veterans’ ability to secure financial and medical support from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, limiting timely access to essential healthcare services. As a result, delays can exacerbate physical and psychological symptoms, impede recovery, and increase the risk of suicide. The findings provide valuable insights for international healthcare professionals on the influence of military culture and traditional masculine norms in shaping veterans’ help-seeking behaviors. By understanding these dynamics, healthcare practitioners can develop targeted, sex-sensitive interventions that address specific barriers faced by male and female veterans. Ensuring timely access to advocacy support is crucial for improving health outcomes and reducing suicide risk in this vulnerable population.

Disposable Bodies

This article examines figures of disability in the poetry of D. M. Aderibigbe to illuminate the fate of disabled Nigerians. It considers the connections between disability and social norms, showing how normative masculinity is implicated in the killings of persons with disabilities. It draws on Chielozona Eze’s discussion of disability and Judith Butler’s concept of grievability to analyze Aderibigbe’s critique of normative culture, while situating the analysis of his poetry within the critical scholarship on disability, gender, masculinities, and social justice. In the poems “Olumo’s Face” and “Ode to My Father’s Childhood,” Aderibigbe represents disabled bodies as disposable, which underscores the need to continue advocating for disability justice.

Manfluencers and Young Men’s Misogynistic Attitudes: The Role of Perceived Threats to Men’s Status

AbstractMisogynistic attitudes have surged in the past few years and the “manosphere” – an online milieu promoting toxic and rigid masculinity norms – is often seen as an arena for spreading such ideas. Within the manosphere, manfluencers (i.e., male influencers who espouse misogynistic content and beliefs) are known for trying to persuade men to view women and feminism as a threat to their masculinity and status as men. In this article, we examine how perceived threats to masculine identity as presented by manfluencers affect the formation of young men’s attitudes towards women. In an original survey (N = 2857) with Swedish men, we found that young men who follow more manfluencers are more likely to dehumanize women. In two experiments (N = 597, 630), we presented potentially threatening content from a fictive manfluencer to a group of participants and found that young men exposed to such content were more mistrustful of women and misogynistic, especially if they felt like they had been rejected by women in the past. The results highlight the importance of how social media influencers may increase misogyny among young men. This research has important implications for policymakers and practitioners, who should be made aware of the role manfluencers have in the formation of attitudes toward gender equality.

Removing the Binary: An Exploration on the Impact Language has on Our Gender Perception

Language, as a reflection of societal values and beliefs, wields the power to shape perceptions of gender, often perpetuating a binary understanding through grammatical gender systems. The influence of the generic masculine and masculine norm within languages with dense grammatical gender reinforces this binary, marginalizing communities and centralizing power within the masculine form. Despite these challenges, endeavours towards gender neutrality within grammatical gender languages offer hope, particularly in their potential to benefit marginalized groups like the LGBTQ+ community. However, while recent advancements demonstrate potential for gender neutrality within language, the possibility of achieving a genuine ‘gender-free’ language remains a question, especially within grammatical gender languages and beyond. In order to begin answering this question, one needs to understand the concept of ‘gendered language’ and how it has impacted our perception of gender throughout history. It is also necessary to analyse how recent linguistic adjustments impact the LGBTQ+ community and the changes in attitudes towards non-binary spaces. By comparing attitudes towards gender in grammatical gender and genderless languages, we gain insight into the intricate relationship between language and societal norms. To do that one needs to look at the contemporary languages such as English, Spanish and Swedish, which are undergoing gender-neutral adaptations within the core lexicon and grammar. In addition to indigenous languages that have historically included a form of gender neutral language. In essence, this examination of language and gender dynamics offers the conclusion that it is possible to remove gender from language, yet cannot change the impact that gendered language has already had on society’s perception of gender.

“I Feel More Masculine Having Sex with a Woman Than Being Fucked by a Man”: Masculinity and Bisexual Men's Experiences of Sex with Women and Men

ABSTRACT Prior research with heterosexual and gay men suggests that heteronormative, hegemonic masculine norms influence sexual behaviors, including in relation to sexual health, and in sex between men, positioning in anal intercourse. This qualitative study offers an in-depth account of how bisexual men’s beliefs about masculinity and about the gendered nature of certain sexual behaviors may influence their experiences of sex with women and men, and the sexual practices they engage in. Twenty-two bisexual men participated in one-to-one, semi-structured interviews, where they were asked about their experiences of sex with women and men in relation to their beliefs about masculinity. A reflexive thematic analysis identified the influence of prevailing discourses of heteronormativity and hegemonic masculinity on sexual experiences and behaviors. Participants’ beliefs about masculinity and the gendered nature of certain aspects of sex influenced experiences relating to sexual performance, sexual assertiveness, positions adopted, practices engaged in, and how gender was enacted in sexual encounters. Sex with women was experienced as more masculine than sex with men: Participants described feeling more sexually assertive than their sexual partners, in control of the encounter, and responsible for facilitating their partners’ sexual pleasure. Sex with men was experienced as more egalitarian and provided favorable opportunities to relinquish sexual control and responsibilities around facilitating pleasure, and to feel less masculine, including by engaging in receptive anal intercourse. Findings therefore indicate that, for some bisexual men, masculinity is highly salient, influencing a range of sexual behaviors and experiences in sex with women and with men.

Cultivating a culture of intervention: Bystander programs and the prevention of sexual violence

This systematic review examines the effectiveness of bystander intervention programs in preventing sexual violence, with a focus on the role of masculinity and cultural factors. The review synthesizes findings from six studies, employing a mixed-methods approach to analyze quantitative and qualitative data. The results highlight the significance of bystander intervention in preventing sexual violence, particularly among young people. The studies demonstrate that programs targeting men and boys, addressing traditional masculinity norms, and promoting empathy and prosocial behavior are effective in reducing sexual violence. Cultural factors, such as social norms and community engagement, also play a crucial role in shaping bystander behavior. The review concludes that bystander intervention programs have the potential to create a culture of empathy and action, but require careful consideration of cultural context and nuances. The findings have implications for the development of effective prevention strategies and highlight the need for further research in this area. By understanding the complexities of bystander behavior, we can work towards creating safer and more supportive communities for all individuals.

Complexities and Possibilities of Strengthening the Social Inclusion of Military Women in the Netherlands Armed Forces: Findings From an Action Research Project

The social inclusion of military women is negatively affected by dominant masculine norms. Often, military organizations try to promote inclusion through top-down policies. However, little is known about solutions military personnel themselves propose, and what is needed to implement those. Drawing on an action research project in the Netherlands Armed Forces, we identify four systemic collaborative requirements to implement initiatives aimed at improving inclusion: (a) awareness and recognition of women’s (negative) experiences, (b) a safe environment for dialogue and joint ownership, (c) organizational trust, support and mandate, and (d) the implementation of interventions in the organizational structure. We discuss two paradoxes we identified (a) addressing inclusion in unsafe workplaces requires safety and (b) creating awareness about women’s social inclusion without putting women in the spotlight. Our results show that a dialogic and collaborative approach is promising, especially to address the complexities that arise when trying to strengthen inclusion.

Men's Suicidal thoughts and behaviors and conformity to masculine norms: A person-centered, latent profile approach

BackgroundMen are up to four times more likely to die by suicide than women. At the same time, men are less likely to disclose suicidal ideation and transition more rapidly from ideation to attempt. Recently, socialized gender norms and particularly conformity to masculine norms (CMN) have been discussed as driving factors for men's increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). This study aims to examine the individual interplay between CMN dimensions and their association with depression symptoms, help-seeking, and STBs. MethodsUsing data from an anonymous online survey of 488 cisgender men, latent profile analysis was performed to identify CMN subgroups. Multigroup comparisons and hierarchical regression analyses were used to estimate differences in sociodemographic characteristics, depression symptoms, psychotherapy use, and STBs. ResultsThree latent CMN subgroups were identified: Egalitarians (58.6 %; characterized by overall low CMN), Players (16.0 %; characterized by patriarchal beliefs, endorsement of sexual promiscuity, and heterosexual self-presentation), and Stoics (25.4 %; characterized by restrictive emotionality, self-reliance, and engagement in risky behavior). Stoics showed a 2.32 times higher risk for a lifetime suicide attempt, younger age, stronger somatization of depression symptoms, and stronger unbearability beliefs. ConclusionThe interplay between the CMN dimensions restrictive emotionality, self-reliance, and willingness to engage in risky behavior, paired with suicidal beliefs about the unbearability of emotional pain, may create a suicidogenic psychosocial system. Acknowledging this high-risk subgroup of men conforming to restrictive masculine norms may aid the development of tailored intervention programs, ultimately mitigating the risk for a suicide attempt.

Male circumcision perceptions among HIV vaccine trial participants in Soweto: Qualitative study

Background: Male circumcision has health benefits and cultural significance in South Africa and elsewhere. We sought to understand perceptions about male circumcision among participants enrolled in a preventive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine efficacy trial in South Africa.Methods: We conducted a qualitative study with 28 consenting people aged 18–35 years old who self-reported that they were not living with HIV and who were participating in the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) 702 vaccine efficacy trial in Soweto. Using a semi-structured guide, we facilitated four focus group discussions (FGDs) stratified by age, gender and sexual orientation. Focus group discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated into English and thematically analysed.Results: Four main themes emerged: (1) accurate knowledge about what male circumcision is, with some participants stating that it partially reduces acquisition of HIV and sexually transmitted infections; (2) emerging distrust of cultural circumcision because of perceived lack of transparency and adverse events; (3) misperceptions that circumcision boosted masculinity and (4) the influenced of parents, family and female partners in circumcision decision-making.Conclusion: Young South African HIV vaccine trial participants accurately understand the HIV prevention benefits of male circumcision, but uptake decisions are embedded within a context informed by culture, sexuality, masculinity norms and values and the influence of women.Contribution: In this study, we showed that young South Africans participating in HIV vaccine trials instead embed their circumcision uptake decisions within a context informed by culture, sexuality and masculinity norms and values and influence of women.

Sexuality, Virginity and Disability: Analyzing the Movie Why Do You Love Me (2023)

Some research indicates that sexuality and disability are two taboo concepts that are rarely combined. Individuals with disabilities are often portrayed as asexual or hypersexual. The film Why Do You Love Me (2023) attempts to break these stereotypes and depicts sexuality as a symbol of empowerment through the story of three friends with disabilities embarking on a journey to lose their virginity. This study aims to analyze how the film portrays sexuality and virginity of individuals with disabilities. Using a qualitative approach, the research uses critical disability theory and multimodal discourse analysis with critical standpoint to identify dialogues and scenes in the film related to dominant ideologies and accuracy in disability representation. Despite raising a unique theme and diversifying the representation of individuals with disabilities in mainstream media, the results reveal that the practice of “cripping up” perpetuates dominant perspectives and diction in the film’s lexical and visual elements. It uses sexuality and virginity as selling points to determine the social status of men with disabilities amidst societal norms of masculinity. Humor and cinematographic techniques still employ ableist discourses, suggesting the need of men with disabilities for accommodation from the dominant group. Insights for altering cinematic representations of disabilities are explored.

Queer Bunny: Gender, Nostalgia, and Coloniality in Bad Bunny’s X100PRE

This paper reads Bad Bunny’s gender performance as queer in his album X100PRE. Utilising methodology proposed by Juana María Rodríguez, we focus on “queer gestures” rather than “categories of identification” to argue that Bad Bunny experiments with a markedly queer gender fluidity. We first explore the queer affect of nostalgia in the song “Como antes” and Bad Bunny’s Instagram posts, then investigate the role of fashion in the “¿Quién tú eres?” video, using Umberto Eco’s approach to clothing as a code that communicates gender, power, and social distinction. Finally, we examine how Bad Bunny’s gender performance challenges normative masculinity in the United States from the perspective of a racialised, colonised Puerto Rican subject. This analysis reveals how gender fluidity has permeated the genre of reggaetón, traditionally linked to hypermasculinity.

Gender bias in assessing narcissistic personality: Exploring the utility of the ICD-11 dimensional model.

Narcissistic personality disorder as captured in categorical diagnostic systems (e.g., DSM-5) emphasizes grandiose features more associated with masculine norms and under-emphasizes vulnerable features more associated with femininity. This poses significant implications in diagnostic outcome and clinical treatment in women with narcissistic preoccupations. Research finds that clinicians using the DSM-5 categorical system tend to diagnose vulnerable narcissism in women as other 'feminized' personality disorders (e.g., borderline), but no research has explored gender differences in narcissism using the new ICD-11 dimensional framework for personality disorders. This study investigated the clinical utility of the ICD-11 approach in capturing gender differences in narcissistic presentations. Adopting an online vignette-based study, mental health clinicians (N = 157; 71.3% female) completed ratings of ICD-11 personality disorder severity and trait domains for two cases reflecting 'grandiose' and 'vulnerable' narcissism in hypothetical male or female patients. The results showed that ratings of core impairments in personality functioning and overall severity were consistent irrespective of patient or clinician gender, contrasting prior research using categorical models. While some differences were observed in trait domain (e.g., negative affectivity) between patient gender, these results suggest the clinical utility of the ICD-11 model as emphasizing elements of personality functioning in the process of assessment and diagnosis, therefore potentially being less susceptible to influences of gender stereotype in aiding clinical conceptualization.

Men’s use of cosmetic surgery and the role of traditional masculinity ideologies

In western countries, men are increasingly using cosmetic surgery. However, despite this trend, there remains a dearth of information on the prevalence, acceptance, and motivations behind men’s use of cosmetic surgery. Furthermore, the potential association between men’s use of cosmetic surgery and in particular male-specific cosmetic surgery procedures such as head hair transplant or penis enlargement and traditional masculinity ideologies (TMI) has not been investigated so far. For this purpose, a cross-sectional anonymous online survey was conducted among 241 self-identifying men aged 18 years or older from the German-speaking part of Europe. Participants responded to questions about cosmetic surgery use and experiences, and completed the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory—Short Form (CMNI-SF) and the Male Role Norms Inventory—Short Form (MRNI-SF) questionnaires to assess conformity with and endorsement of TMI. Of the 241 men investigated, 47 (19.5%) had undergone cosmetic surgery. The most common types of cosmetic surgeries reported were wrinkle treatment, eyelid correction, and head-hair transplant. Penis enlargement procedures were reported by three (6.4%) of the 47 men who had undergone cosmetic surgery. The main reasons for undergoing surgery were to feel better (72.3%) and look better (55.3%), while to increase sexual success (17.0%) and to increase manliness (14.9%) were also reported. Logistic regression models showed that higher conformity to TMI (CMNI-SF) was associated with higher odds of having undergone cosmetic surgery. The results highlight the overall increase in men’s cosmetic surgery use and its specific characteristics. The significant positive association between conformity to TMI and men’s use of cosmetic surgery suggests that men increasingly use cosmetic surgery as a means to assert power, success, dominance, and sexual success.

How Masculinity Impedes African American Men From Seeking Mental Health Treatment.

This study addresses the pronounced mental health disparities faced by African American men, characterized by the heightened severity of mental health conditions and their reluctance to seek mental health treatment. Persistent neglect toward the mental health of African American men perpetuates systemic inequities and heightens the stigma surrounding mental well-being within their communities. This study investigates the interaction of masculinity, distrust in doctors, and parental support on attitudes influencing African American men's reluctance to seek mental health care. A survey administered to 74 African American men revealed a negative correlation between masculinity and attitudes toward seeking mental health treatment. In contrast, no significant correlations were found between distrust in doctors and parental support on attitudes toward seeking mental health treatment. These findings were analyzed using Pearson's correlation, underscoring the urgent need to address masculine norms in mental health discourse among African American men. Implications of the findings and future directions for masculinity in African American men are discussed.

“Saying Something Would Be Useless”: Reconsidering Relational Dialectics Theory by Examining How Chinese Women Entrepreneurs Negotiate Gendered Entrepreneurship and Family Harmony

ABSTRACT The identity of women entrepreneurs illuminates discursive struggles given the masculine norms of entrepreneurship. Applying relational dialectics theory (RDT), this study explored competing discourses surrounding understudied Chinese women entrepreneurs and the interplay of their identification and masculine discourses. I conducted narrative interviews with 34 Chinese women. Contrapuntal analysis of this non-Western data however identified that discursive struggles happened when voicing/speaking/expressing was not prioritized. Hence, I turned to new materialist perspectives to (re)work discourses as boundary-making practices producing local things/beings-in-relations and agents as anyone/anything participating in the dynamism. In two themes as competing discourses (discourses of misalignment vs. legitimacy), I focused on local movements and interferences when/where women in their entrepreneurial becoming encountered various human and nonhuman agents, and therefore demonstrated how discursive struggles involved various bodies/things, more than just talk/voices. Ultimately, this study diffracted RDT by engaging with new materialisms and proposing a new uttered-embodied dimension of discursive struggles.