Men Encounter Research Articles

Structural racism and diminished health returns on education among Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.

Drawing on structural racism, eco-social, and weathering theories, we examined whether the association between education and health is diminished among Palestinian refugees in Lebanon (PRL) who live under conditions of structural gendered racism. The study utilized data from a national household survey of PRL conducted by a humanitarian organization in December 2022. In a subsample of 7872 PRL 18 years and older, we assessed the association between education and diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Adjusted risk-ratios (aRR) were calculated to compare the proportions of the outcomes between each gender and education group of interest, adjusting for age, area of residence, and self-reported socioeconomic status. Analyses were conducted on the entire sample and a subsample of those 55 years and older. Among PRL women, increasing education resulted in a sequential decrease in aRR for diabetes, hypertension, and CVD, although not all estimates were statistically significant. This pattern did not persist in the sub-sample of women 55 years or older. Conversely, increasing education level among men showed no differences in risk. For example, compared to men with elementary or less education, men with university education or higher have a higher aRR of 1.12 (95% C.I. 0.83-1.50) for the outcome of diabetes. This trend persisted when comparing outcome risk in the sub-sample of those 55 years of age and older. The findings reveal a gendered association between education and chronic disease risk that is reflective of structural gendered racism. Whilst PRL women demonstrated a typical overall inverse association, PRL men exhibited a pattern of diminished health return on education. PRL men encounter racialized structures in the Lebanese mainstream economy, which stymies the health benefits they may accrue from education and access to other tangible resources.

Unpacking the Nuances Behind One-Sided Gendered Violence: A Case Study of The King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa

South Africa grapples with a pervasive GBV crisis evident in femicide, intimate partner violence, and sexual assault statistics. Gender-based violence is defined as the human-rights violation that occurs globally, in both developing and developed countries, irrespective of culture, socio-economic class or religion and it varies in frequency, forms and extent from country to country. While GBV has long been acknowledged as a pervasive issue impacting women in South Africa, recent research reveals a less recognised aspect men also experience significant abuse, often concealed by silence and stigma. In South Africa, a country with high rates of violence, this study explores the intricate interactions between cultural norms, societal expectations, and the frequency of gender-based violence against men. The Person-In-Environment theory was used in semi-structured interviews with 12 participants as part of the study's qualitative methodology. The study revealed that GBV against men is a significant yet often invisible problem. They further revealed how societal norms such as toxic masculinity, silence surrounding male vulnerability and cultural justifications contributed the occurrence and under-reporting of GBV against men as well as discouraged them from seeking help. Additionally, the findings shaded light on the specific barriers men encounter in accessing support services, highlighting the need for gender inclusive interventions.

Wanope Ikuji: Analisis Peran Tradisional Dan Konflik Patriarki Dalam Masyarakat Jepang

This study aims to explore traditional roles in "wanope ikuji" or single-operation childcare in Japan, shaped by the dominant patriarchal structure. Using a qualitative approach with a literature analysis method, the primary source of this study includes an exclusive interview conducted by Abema News on June 11, 2024, involving three mothers in Japan. The findings reveal that the patriarchal cultural system remains deeply entrenched in Japan. Key evidence includes the difficulty Japanese mothers face in seeking employment opportunities after childbirth and childcare. For working mothers, balancing childcare responsibilities and professional duties is extremely challenging. Conversely, Japanese men encounter structural barriers, such as societal norms that informally discourage them from taking parental leave. This indicates that traditional childcare patterns, emphasizing the mother as the primary caregiver, remain strongly embedded. To address the tensions between gender equality and traditional childcare roles, Japanese society must adapt to new realities. Measures that can be taken include raising awareness and education about gender equality within households, developing family-friendly work policies that support work-life balance, and shifting social norms to recognize and encourage the active role of fathers in childcare. By implementing these measures, Japan can foster an environment that better supports gender equality and a fairer division of childcare responsibilities.

The ethical ‘boundary’ in psychopharmacology

Man's encounter with substances capable of producing changes in his state of consciousness, behaviour and emotional sphere is an ancient experience, dating back to the earliest forms of civilisation on our planet.

Encountering the health and social environment after a pregnancy loss: A grounded theory study from male perspective

AimTo develop an empirical model that explores and explains the social process of the encounters of men who suffered pregnancy loss with health and social environments. MethodsA constructivist grounded theory method was performed, whereby 23 couples were interviewed using a semi-structured interview. Men that suffered pregnancy loss were analysed iteratively, with line-by-line and incident-to-incident coding, focused coding and axial coding, until data saturation and the emergence of theory. ResultsThe theory Behind bars that hide and mask them illustrates the social process of the encounters of men who suffered pregnancy loss with the health and social environment. Social taboo and gender stereotypes could repress, marginalize, and hide men's feelings. This transposed into the healthcare setting, which focused on the physical aspects of the woman, and lacked an emotional approach, follow-up, and sensitivity. Men reported a lack of recognition or family and social support. ConclusionMany men report not feeling involved in the care process after pregnancy loss, in addition to the prioritisation of medicalised care, which can be explained by a medical paternalism approach. These results provide a basis to reflect and plan the inclusion of men for the provision of comprehensive and couple-centred care. Implications for practiceCommunication strategies and emotional management, self-reflection of health professionals, theoretical-practical content with a gender perspective in the training of nurses and midwives, involvement of the organisation and leadership, and further research is required.

IN THE WAVES OF THE COMMUNICATION FLOOD WITHOUT THE “OLD TESTAMENT ARK” OF CULTURE

The collection of essays “Sharing Opinions” published in 1997 by Miroljub Radojković, professor at the Faculty of Political Sciences from Belgrade, also contains an essay from 1981 titled “The Communication Flood and the ‘Old Testament Ark’ of Culture”. The author of the essay offers a critical analysis of the changes brought about by the era’s new communications technologies and how they impact both society and an individual. Forty-three years later, the overview of how communication technology would grow in the future is especially impressive when viewed from today’s perspective. In the early 1980s, the technical concepts and predictions that the author wrote about - such as working from home, remote learning, and the smart watch - seemed like science fiction. The “look into the future” section of the aforementioned essay, in which communication technologies play a significant role in shaping culture and social connections, is, however, its most significant component. Radojković uses the “power of sociological imagination” to offer partially positive, but mostly negative responses to questions about the future of morality in that new society, as well as the place of art or religion.The author of this paper wants to examine the futuristic theses that were developed more than 40 years ago by looking at them through the lens of contemporary communication technology and its effects on society. The main research inquiry is derived from Miroljub Radojković’s thesis regarding the communication flood (or “floods of generality”) that will endanger the fundamental cultural values based on interpersonal interaction, human engagement with nature, and the symbolic environment, and it is as follows - why, in spite of the warnings, did man encounter the communication flood without the “Old Testament ark” of culture?

“I Had Attained the Identity I Had Long Desired”: A Grounded Theory Study of Experiences of Transgender Men in Türkiye

Transgender individuals form a distinct community that often experiences marginalization within society. This marginalization is particularly pronounced in patriarchal countries, where transgender men encounter various challenges across psychological, medical, legal, and social domains during their transition. The study design to conduct a thorough analysis of the life experiences and perspectives of transgender men in Türkiye. It involved 15 participants and the collected data were subsequently analyzed using the constant comparative method, a key technique within grounded theory methodology. The coding process resulted in three main themes: “Realizing gender identity”, “Impact of social support sources”, and “The nature of being visible”, and six sub-themes were formed, the core category being “… Despite the numerous challenges encountered along the way, when I gazed into the mirror, I realized I had attained the identity I had long desired”. Transgender individuals in the study expressed encountering emotional, physical, and psychological challenges throughout their personal journeys. However, despite these difficulties, they reported experiencing a sense of satisfaction and contentment upon reaching the end of their transition process. It is recommended to implement counseling services specifically tailored for transgender individuals and their families and incorporate transgender-related content into the training programs of professionals working with transgender individuals.

Factors Associated with Erectile Dysfunction Among Older Gay Men

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common issue that aging men encounter, but whether internalized gay ageism (i.e., the internalization of ageist messages within the context of aging as a gay man) is related to ED among older gay men is unknown. A cross-sectional web-based survey explored the relationship between internalized gay ageism, health-related and social factors, and ED among older gay men who resided in the Midwest United States (N = 181). Internalized gay ageism was not significantly associated with ED. However, hierarchical regression analysis found that age (β = .224, t = 2.70, p = .008) and overall health (β = −.247, t = −3.05, p = .003) were significantly associated with ED among older gay men, suggesting that older gay men share similar risk factors for ED as the general male population. Future research should continue to explore other factors that are unique to gay men that may be associated with ED.

‘Everybody Else in That Room’: support dilemmas and benefits of supportive communication in batterer intervention

ABSTRACT The purpose of the current study was to explore the benefits and dilemmas of supportive communication within BIPs and how dilemmas influence participants’ ability to access support resources and benefit from educational content. Specifically, this study examines competing goals, strategies, and interpretations of supportive communication within a BIP group located in the midwestern United States, targeting heterosexually-identifying DV perpetrators. Results suggest men encounter several support dilemmas that must be overcome to gain access to BIP group benefits. Specifically, openness to seeking and receiving support in BIPs involves threats of negative evaluation, threats to identity, and loss of control. Additionally, the artificiality of the BIP group conditions creates challenges for men once they leave and support resources are reduced in their existing social networks. This study makes a theoretical contribution by extending the theory of support dilemmas [Albrecht, T. L., & Adelman, M. B. (1987). Communicating social support. Sage.] to illuminate the unique challenges that BIPs present, several of which are specific to norms of masculinity. Practical applications are recommended to BIP practitioners with the aim to increase the efficacy of BIP curricular delivery and program outcomes.

Erroneous Portrayal of Black National Question in Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man

This article examines the several contradictory aspects of American society that the unnamed black protagonist of Ralph Ellison's novel Invisible Man encounters and that cause him to descend into absurdity. The study has relevance to identify and deal with the different contradictory aspects of American society. The article addresses on the research problems concerning to the protagonist's sufferings and his inability to identify the causes of his sufferings. The study deals with the research problems by applying the research approach (methodology) of historical materialism. In a class-based society, the protagonist, who is of black nationality, is a member of the working class. He is suppressed not only by white people but even by wealthy black people. He receives assistance not only from black people but also from lower-class white people. But he lacks the ability to identify friends from enemies. He wants to free himself and the entire black nationality from all forms of oppression, injustice, and inequality because he is a member of the black race. As a result, he joins the Brotherhood (the communist party), but he quickly leaves because he does not understand its tenets. He declines to join the Black Nationalist party and is unable to identify any alternative organizations that could help end the persecution of black people on a national level. Finally, he loses all hope, starts to perceive disorder around, and makes the decision to leave society. However, while living apart from society, he still sees ways to benefit it, which is an absurdist notion itself. The study reveals that the protagonist's queer theory of absurdism, which he develops at the novel's conclusion, does nothing to further the cause of repressed Afro-Americans; rather, it only serves to fuel their frustration and pessimism.

AGING IN JAIL: CHALLENGES AND IMPROVEMENTS

Abstract The increase in incarcerated older people has created challenges in correctional facilities, including settings ranging from large prisons to smaller county jails. Aging while incarcerated brings a new dimension of difficulties for older people, and to the correctional system as a whole. The resources and environments are unsuitable for an aging population and ultimately result in greater health complications. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing challenges experienced by older adults. To further assess the issues that incarcerated older people face, researchers from UMass Boston partnered with a local jail to determine the current needs and deficiencies experienced by older men. Focus groups were conducted in person with incarcerated older men regarding their experiences, opinions on having a unit specifically for older adults, and institutional changes that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Zoom interviews were also carried out with staff. These conversations suggest that older incarcerated men encounter unique conditions that challenge their well-being. Such challenges include limited access to medical care and proper diets, lack of environmental accommodations, and inadequate exercise opportunities. These challenges exacerbate the burden of being in jail and can lead to higher risks of chronic illness. As well they have potential implications for the communities to which the men are released. Older men and jail staff were receptive to creating a unit specifically for older adults as a means of remedying some of these challenges. This poster offers policy suggestions to improve correctional facilities that better align with the unique needs of incarcerated older people.

Abstract A048: Community-based knowledge-to-action: Early detection of prostate cancer in Black men, shared decision-making tools, and clinical toolkits — a scoping literature review

Abstract Black men have a 70-80% higher incidence of prostate cancer (PCa) and 120% higher rate of death from prostate cancer compared with men of other races and ethnicities in the US. This disparity in prostate cancer-related death represents the largest racial inequity of any cancer in the US. We conducted semi-structured interviews with Black men in Washington State assessing their knowledge, attitudes, and experiences around early detection of PCa. Findings revealed equity-related barriers Black men encounter in accessing prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, including: lack of information on the benefits and harms of PCa screening for patients and primary care providers (PCPs), perceived lack of understanding by PCPs of racial inequities in PCa outcomes, and lack of trusted relationships with PCPs to support PCa screening discussion and shared-decision making (SDM). A scoping review of scientific literature was conducted to identify existing studies reporting use, evaluation, or design of evidence-based or community-based toolkits used to increase SDM for PSA testing in Black men. The tools have the potential to be implemented in future clinical protocols or practice for encouraging PSA testing in Black men. Our search included papers indexed in PubMed, Embase, or CINAHL that evaluated the effectiveness or efficacy of SDM tools for PSA testing interventions and programs involving Black men from 2011-2022. Of 1,112 papers identified, our inclusion/exclusion criteria for the search yielded 8 studies, 4 of which were evidence-based interventions or evaluations that resulted in knowledge increase or awareness of PCa screening, and 4 of which were in community-based approaches or some form of community-engaged method. Cross-study comparisons were possible, as some focused on pre- and post-tests with emphasis on an increase in knowledge prevalence or the proportion of men who used the decision-making tools. The currently-available tools increased awareness of screening but did not increase the application or intent to engage in PSA testing or dialogue with providers. Our scoping review demonstrates a gap in knowledge and a need to create an evidence-based, community-based, patient-centered SDM intervention that will increase awareness, education, and support for PCa early detection among Black men through accessible, culturally relevant, and accurate clinical SDM that can be used in future practice or clinical trials. We have acquired funding through a cancer center support grant for further work in creating a community-engaged tool that will utilize a Community-Based Knowledge-to-Action approach in developing a collaborative, SDM toolkit for Black men and their providers to use that will give accurate, relevant information about PCa risk, PSA testing, and increased likelihood to engage in PSA testing for Black men. Citation Format: Dante Morehead, Jenney Lee, Ben Young, Victor Tolbert, John Masembe, Sung Min Kim, Katherine Briant, Erika Wolff, John Gore, Yaw Nyame. Community-based knowledge-to-action: Early detection of prostate cancer in Black men, shared decision-making tools, and clinical toolkits — a scoping literature review [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A048.

Textual Microfields WINTER and MAN in Short Stories by Soviet Writer Yuri Shamshurin

The research addresses to the anthropocentric aspect of a literary text and mental representations of the Arctics in the author's image of the world. The relevance of this study is defined by the demand for humanitarian knowledge and culture of the inhabitants of the Arctic regions in connection with the technological development of the Arctics. The goal of this article is to design a model of textual associative semantic micro-fields WINTER and MAN in the Arctic discourse of Soviet-era author Yuri Shamshurin and identify the points where these micro-fields meet or cross each other. The study is focused on those lexical items which participate in building the secodary reality in Shamshurin’s short stories. The novelty of the study lies in applying congnitive-discursive approach to the study of the Arctic fictional discourse. The key methods of analysis used in this study are field analysis, lexical-and-semantic analysis, contextual analysis and cognitive interpretation method. As a result of the study, the nuclear lexical-and-thematic groups of the microfields MAN and WINTER were identified, such as CRAFT and WIND, as well as the intersection points of lexical-and-thematic groups for both microfields. The main attributes of winter identified in the mental representation of the Arctic discourse in Shamshurin’s short stories are wind and cold, being the phenomena which a man encounters first and foremost during his daily activities. The northern lights, which have no intersections with the microfield MAN but represent a unique natural phenomenon, are also one of the main attributes. In addition, it has been revealed that when lexical-and-thematic groups intersect their boundaries become mobile, which can lead to the creation of a new lexical-and-thematic subgroup within the microfield. An issue has been revealed that is connected with defining the lexical-andthematic groups containing lexical items that perform an artistic function in a particular story, such as a plot-forming or symbolic function. In this case, they are not representative of their group in a given microfield.

The Right to Christian Education in the Conditions of Digital Culture

English translation. The original article can be found here
 Contemporary man encounters digitality on a daily basis, which affects his life at specific stages of development. This applies above all to the period of childhood and youth, when one is naturally subjected to educational processes. The Directory of Catechesis points out that this influence is so significant that it allows us to speak of a new culture, changing language, shaping mentality and introducing a new hierarchy of values. An important feature of the new culture is its global reach, because digitality by its nature crosses the borders of countries and continents, and geographical distances lose their importance for it. The ecclesiastical legislator, while respecting the right of every person to attain full personal development, declares in can. 217 CCL/1983 the right of all the faithful to receive an integral Christian education. It is a continuous process that should be adapted not only to age, but also to the mentality of the faithful, which is significantly influenced by the new digital culture. The article answers the question of how to guarantee the right to Christian education in the conditions of digital culture. What duties ensue from this right of the faithful for the Pastors of the Church who carry out for them the mission of proclaiming the Gospel in the conditions of digital culture, with particular emphasis on the postulate of humanization of language.

“Not Every Advisor Is for Me, but Some Are”: Black Men’s Academic Advising Experiences during COVID-19

Contemporary research indicates that Black American men encounter multiple obstacles in higher education settings. Understanding the complexities of how Black men perceive and make sense of academic environments requires addressing a number of elements that influence their academic success. The purpose of this study is to investigate the academic advising challenges faced in virtual environments by Black men during the COVID-19 pandemic. This qualitative case study provides detailed accounts of ten Black men navigating academic advising practices in a virtual setting at large research one historically white institution using focus groups as a method of data collection. Implications and suggestions for future research highlight the significance of supporting Black men in virtual academic advising spaces to create equitable and sustainable practices.

Juggling Masculinities: Being a Middle-Class Young Man in Dhaka

To date, South Asian masculinity studies have largely investigated the construction of masculinities at the structural level, while subjective experiences have received little attention. This paper analyses data gathered from ethnographic research conducted among 40 adolescent boys living in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and asks: how do middle-class adolescent boys in Dhaka construct different ideals of masculinity and negotiate those in their everyday life at home and among peers? Which ideas about sexuality are involved? This analysis provides in-depth insights into the ways in which different models of masculinity are (re)constructed and embraced or resisted at the subjective level by adolescents in their everyday negotiations of sexuality. We will argue that this younger generation of men encounter unique gendered vulnerabilities in the contexts of fast urbanisation, an increasingly uncertain labour market and a lack of support in negotiating their emotional and social wellbeing.

Experiencing Burnout: John Henryism, Gender Role Conflict, and Anxiety Among Incarcerated Black Men.

At the intersection of race and gender, Black men encounter conflicting and often stress-inducing gender norms. Research suggests Black men may utilize John Henryism Active Coping (JHAC), a culturally-relevant strategy to manage stress. However, little is known about how incarcerated Black men cope with gender role conflict (GRC) and resulting psychological distress. To better understand stressors and coping strategies among Black male prisoners, the current study examined the relationships between GRC, anxiety, and JHAC among N = 193 incarcerated Black men nearing community reentry. Hierarchical linear regression results showed length of incarceration, GRC, and anxiety were all negatively associated with JHAC. Full-time employment prior to incarceration was positively associated with JHAC. Moderation analyses indicated anxiety increased the strength of the negative association between GRC and JHAC. Implications highlight incarcerated Black men may benefit from interventions that encourage active coping strategies to manage gender-related stress and anxiety.

Views From the Margins: Exploring How Vulnerability Contributes to Shaping Men’s Identities in Informal Urban South Africa

Globally, the proliferation of informal settlements continues unabated, challenging us to understand life in these risk-prone urban ‘hotspots’. Although women and children are vulnerable to risks in these marginalised environments, young men are more often considered generators of risk while their own susceptibilities are disregarded. Addressing this oversight, this study, undertaken in informal areas of Cape Town, South Africa, using a range of qualitative methods, investigated the vulnerabilities of young Xhosa men. The findings reveal conflicted masculine identities, shaped by the complex environments young men encounter in navigating life on the margins. Demonstrating the tensions shaping their identities and behaviour, the nature of their vulnerabilities is shown to be constructed over time in response to the changing landscapes young men encounter. It also reveals how they develop individualised defence mechanisms and coping strategies to survive in these environments, contesting the hegemonic forms of masculinity they are more often labelled with.

Paul Tillich’s Theological Circle Betwen Fear and the Courage to Be

One of the attempts of establishing the contemporary ethics is Paul Tillich's very existential analysis and evaluation of the courage to be. In man's encounter or rather existential confrontation with the threat of nonbeing, revealed in the categories of space and time, determination and freedom, and especially in experiencing guilt, absurdity, fear, doubts, and other limitations of being, there is an opportunity to ask a question about the meaning of life and searching for sources of power in order to accept and surpass all these challenges. At the same time, Tillich uses this as an opportunity to ask questions about God, or rather about Being-itself, which provides the power to accept all tensions and anxieties of being. Religion thus means to accept being accepted. Based on this relationship or rather the acceptance of the Being-itself, the courage to be is born in a man, when he, realising and accepting his own finality, surpasses the notion and opens himself up to Infinity. This infinity of Being-itself is not something abstract but it realises itself as Love, from which man gets courage to live in love, power, and justice.

Women in neurointervention, a gender gap? Results of a prospective online survey.

Women's representation in medicine has increased over time yet the proportion of women practicing neurointervention remains low. We conducted an anonymous online survey through which we could explore the gender gap in neurointervention, identify potential issues, difficulties, or obstacles women might face, and evaluate if men encounter similar issues. An online questionnaire was designed in SurveyMonkey®. Invitation to participate was emailed through national and international neurointerventional societies as well as directly through private mailing lists to men and women working in neurointervention. Responses were collected from 10 May 2019 to 10 September 2019. There were 295 complete responses, 173 (59%) male and 122 (41%) female. Most respondents (83%) fell within age categories 35-60 years, with representation from 40 countries across five continents. In all 95% were working full time, 73% had worked as a neurointerventionalist for >6 years, 77% worked in University-affiliated teaching institutions. Almost half of the respondents indicated no female neurointerventionalist worked in their center. Female respondents were younger and age-adjusted analysis was undertaken. Significantly fewer females than males were married and had children. Significantly fewer females held supervisory roles, held academic titles, and significantly less had a mentor. Females were less satisfied in their careers. More females felt they receive less recognition than colleagues of the opposite sex. Males had a greater proportion of work time dedicated to neurointervention. Similar proportions of both genders experienced bullying in work (40%-47%); however, sexual harassment was more common for females. There were no differences between genders in how they dealt with complications or their effects on mental well-being. There are many potential reasons why women are underrepresented in neurointervention, however, the literature suggests this is not unique to our specialty. Multiple long-term strategies will be necessary to address these issues, some of which are discussed in the article.