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Journal of Aging Studies Sep 2023This study draws on the theory of Social Semiotics and the methodology of Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis (MCDA) to examine the textual and visual design of...
This study draws on the theory of Social Semiotics and the methodology of Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis (MCDA) to examine the textual and visual design of skincare advertisements targeted towards men. The current proliferation of the market for male-oriented facial products represents an important shift towards the increased attention to the beautification of male bodies in Western societies. Such beautification encourages men to work on and improve the self (and face) through intensifying practices of "aesthetic labour." Aesthetic labour places emphasis on an entrepreneurial self-care and self-control regime that promotes an active late lifestyle fostered through ideas about "successful ageing." As expected, the analysis of the corpus consisting of advertisements from L'Oréal Men, Nivea Men and Clarins Men shows that the male face is generally constructed as a "problem" that can be cured through the consumption of skincare products. The consumption of these products increases men's visual literacies of the face and hence normalises male beauty practices that seemingly encourage men to care for and work on their skin, which can be construed of as a feminising practice. Nonetheless, the advertisements employ masculine traits and strategies that link cosmetic products to traditional values of masculinity. The beautification of the male body, thus, turns the consumption of skincare products into a performance through which men can maintain their already privileged status in society, rearticulating the double standard of ageing (Sontag, 1972).
Topics: Humans; Male; Advertising; Men; Aging; Glycerol; Life Style
PubMed: 37704271
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaging.2023.101153 -
The World Journal of Men's Health Apr 2024Although lower body strength and size are often regarded as symbols of masculinity, their relationship to testosterone is unclear. This study aimed to determine the...
PURPOSE
Although lower body strength and size are often regarded as symbols of masculinity, their relationship to testosterone is unclear. This study aimed to determine the correlation between lower body strength, size, and testosterone levels.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Serum testosterone levels, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI) were measured in 69 men with erectile dysfunction (age >40 years). The circumferences of the thigh and calf were measured, and the muscle strength of the knee joints was evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer. Patients were classified into three groups according to testosterone levels (group 1, <230 ng/dL; group 2, 230 to 350 ng/dL; group 3, >350 ng/dL). Differences in calf and thigh circumference, bilateral knee extension, and flexion strength between the three groups were investigated using a one-way analysis of variance. Pearson's chi-square test was used to assess differences in lifestyle habits and underlying diseases. A partial correlation analysis was conducted to determine the association between testosterone levels and lower body size and strength.
RESULTS
There was no difference in BMI among the three groups, but waist circumference was significantly larger in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3. When comparing weight-adjusted values, bilateral thigh circumference showed a significant difference among the three groups. There was also a significant difference between the three groups in the weight-adjusted left calf circumference and in the weight-adjusted right knee extension strength. The partial correlation test showed a significant positive correlation between thigh and calf circumference values adjusted for weight and serum testosterone levels. Weight-adjusted knee extension strength demonstrated a significant positive correlation with serum testosterone levels.
CONCLUSIONS
Weight-adjusted thigh and calf circumferences, along with the thigh-to-waist ratio, showed a positive correlation with testosterone levels. Weight-adjusted knee extension strength was positively correlated with testosterone levels. Therefore, a robust thigh and strong lower body are related to testosterone.
PubMed: 38772534
DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.230381 -
Scientific Reports Aug 2023Dominance perceptions play an important role in social interactions. Although many researchers have proposed that shape masculinity is an important facial cue for...
Dominance perceptions play an important role in social interactions. Although many researchers have proposed that shape masculinity is an important facial cue for dominance perceptions, evidence for this claim has come almost exclusively from studies that assessed perceptions of experimentally manipulated faces using forced-choice paradigms. Consequently, we investigated the role of masculine shape characteristics in perceptions of men's facial dominance (1) when shape-manipulated stimuli were presented in a forced-choice paradigm and (2) when unmanipulated face images were rated for dominance and shape masculinity was measured from face images. Although we observed large effects of masculinity on dominance perceptions when we used the forced-choice method (Cohen's ds = 2.51 and 3.28), the effect of masculinity on dominance perceptions was considerably smaller when unmanipulated face images were rated and shape masculinity measured from face images (Cohen's ds = 0.44 and 0.62). This pattern was observed when faces were rated separately for physical dominance, social dominance, and masculinity, and was seen for two different sets of stimuli. Collectively, these results suggest that shape masculinity may not be a particularly important cue for dominance perceptions when faces vary simultaneously on multiple dimensions, as is the case during everyday social interactions.
Topics: Male; Humans; Masculinity; Face; Research Design; Social Dominance; Choice Behavior
PubMed: 37537340
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39912-x -
Midwifery Aug 2023This study aimed to explore the relationship between masculinity, perceived social support and depression symptomology in the postpartum period in new and experienced...
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to explore the relationship between masculinity, perceived social support and depression symptomology in the postpartum period in new and experienced fathers.
DESIGN
Cross-sectional questionnaire study.
PARTICIPANTS
A total of 118 first- and second-time fathers (N = 48) of infants aged under 12-months, currently residing in the United Kingdom.
MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS
Questionnaires consisted of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Data were analysed through inferential statistics.
KEY CONCLUSIONS
Masculine norms of self-reliance and primacy of work were positively related to depression symptomology in both father groups. Perceived social support was negatively related to depression symptomology. Further analyses revealed significant effects regarding partner health status and depression symptomology. No significant differences were found between presentation of first- and second-time fathers.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
Main findings support partners as a part of the family unit. Findings have implications for midwives in that an increased understanding of these factors in early fatherhood could improve family outcomes.
Topics: Male; Female; Infant; Humans; Masculinity; Depression; Cross-Sectional Studies; Social Support; Fathers
PubMed: 37220678
DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2023.103715 -
BMC Medical Education Nov 2023Gender studies in the medical profession have revealed gender biases associated with being a doctor, a profession often regarded as more suitable for men. The path to...
BACKGROUND
Gender studies in the medical profession have revealed gender biases associated with being a doctor, a profession often regarded as more suitable for men. The path to gender equality inevitably involves deconstructing this masculinized assumption. Despite the decades-long expectation that ikumen-men who actively participate in childcare in Japan-would contribute to a change toward gender equality, Japanese society is still male dominated, and women suffer from a large gender gap. With the aim of exploring implicit gendered assumptions concerning being a caregiver and a doctor, the authors focused on the experience of individuals juggling the binary roles of a professional and a caregiver.
METHODS
The authors conducted subjectivist inductive research, recruited ten Japanese physician fathers through purposive sampling, and collected data through one-to-one semi-structured interviews between October 2017 and December 2018. The authors recorded and transcribed the narrative data, and extracted themes and representative narratives.
RESULTS
The study identified three themes about the reproduction and potential change of the gender gap: maintaining gendered assumptions of the medical profession without experiencing conflict, maintaining gendered assumptions of the medical profession while experiencing conflict, and deconstructing gendered assumptions of the medical profession through conflict. The authors found that these negotiations interplayed with the gendered division of labor between male doctors and their wives as well as the patriarchal family structure.
CONCLUSIONS
The study revealed how gendered assumptions of the medical profession, as well as gender stereotypes and gendered division of household labor, were reproduced in the course of male doctors' negotiations when they became fathers. For male doctors to question their unconscious gender bias, the authors emphasize the importance of men gaining knowledge about gender stereotypes, and propose that educators create such opportunities. Moreover, the authors assert that increasing doctors' awareness of how masculinized assumptions implicitly interact with ideas of being a doctor-an aspect rarely discussed among medical professionals-is crucial for deconstructing the gendered normativity in the medical field.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; East Asian People; Sexism; Medicine; Physicians; Fathers
PubMed: 37953240
DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04855-4 -
Indian Journal of Public Health Oct 2023Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common reproductive endocrinological disorders affecting 6%-8% of women in reproductive years. An early liberal...
BACKGROUND
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common reproductive endocrinological disorders affecting 6%-8% of women in reproductive years. An early liberal PCOS screening appears to be a cost-effective strategy, benefiting earlier diagnosis and intervention.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives are to measure the prevalence of PCOS and factors associated with PCOS among young girl students of a University in Central Gujarat.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
All consenting girl medical students enrolled in MBBS curriculum during 2013-2017 were given a self-administered questionnaire (for signs and symptoms of PCOS), taking due prior permissions; during January 2018-June 2019. Using Rotterdam (2006) criteria, those who were screened for PCOS were subjected to abdominal ultrasonography (USG) and if required, laboratory investigations (random blood sugar, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and free testosterone). The proportion of young women having PCOS as per the Rotterdam and European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (EHSRE) Criteria are reported.
RESULTS
The study enrolled 308 girl medical students. More than one-tenth of the study participants (11.7%, 36/308) had confirmed PCOS (Rotterdam Criteria). As per the EHSRE criteria, 24/36 had classic PCOS, 11/36 had ovulatory phenotype, and 01/36 had the non-hyperandrogenic phenotype PCOS. USG was required in 123/308 (39%); of which 91 consented and 16/91 (18%) had conclusive PCOS. Twenty-three girls required laboratory investigations, of which two had abnormal values suggestive of PCOS. Irregular menses and hirsutism were significantly associated with the PCOS (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The proportion of young medical students with PCOS was 12%. Irregular menses and hirsutism were significantly associated with PCOS.
Topics: Humans; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Female; Cross-Sectional Studies; India; Adolescent; Prevalence; Universities; Young Adult; Students, Medical; Hirsutism
PubMed: 38934823
DOI: 10.4103/ijph.ijph_1508_22 -
The International Journal of Behavioral... May 2024This systematic review contributes to the understanding of the characteristics of built food environments that may be associated with choices of alternative protein... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
This systematic review contributes to the understanding of the characteristics of built food environments that may be associated with choices of alternative protein foods (APF). Using the built food environment typology proposed by Downs et al., we investigated various environmental structures (e.g., supermarkets, other retailers, farmers' markets, restaurants, schools, and online vendors) and the characteristics that may facilitate or hinder consumers' choices. For example, facilitators and barriers may refer to the physical characteristics of environmental structures, food presentation practices, the organizational strategies or policies operating in the setting, or the actions that retailers or consumers engage in while selling, serving, choosing, trying, or purchasing APF in these environmental structures.
METHODS
A systematic review (PROSPERO database preregistration; no. CRD42023388700) was conducted by searching 13 databases for peer-reviewed journals focusing on the fields of economics and business, agriculture, medical sciences, and social sciences. Data searches, coding, and quality evaluations were conducted by at least 2 researchers. A total of 31 papers (36 original studies) were included. The risk of bias was evaluated with the Joanna Briggs Institute quality evaluation tool, with 24 publications presenting low risk of bias.
RESULTS
The findings indicate that perceived and actual availability facilitate consumers' APF choices across a built food environment. Several barriers/facilitators were associated with APF choices in specific types of built food environments: the way food is presented in produce sections (supermarkets), consumer habits in terms of green and specialty shopping (grocery stores), and mismatches among retailer actions in regard to making APF available in one type of food environment structure (e-commerce) and consumers' preferences for APF being available in other food environment structures (supermarkets, grocery stores). The effect of a barrier/facilitator may depend on the APF type; for example, social norms regarding masculinity were a barrier affecting plant-based APF choices in restaurants, but these norms were not a barrier affecting the choice of insect-based APF in restaurants.
CONCLUSIONS
Addressing barriers/facilitators identified in this review will help in developing environment-matching interventions that aim to make alternative proteins mainstream.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO database registration: #CRD42023388700.
Topics: Humans; Food Preferences; Choice Behavior; Dietary Proteins; Consumer Behavior; Restaurants; Built Environment; Supermarkets; Commerce
PubMed: 38755618
DOI: 10.1186/s12966-024-01606-6 -
American Journal of Men's Health 2024In this study, we formally examine the association between penis size dissatisfaction and gun ownership in America. The primary hypothesis, derived from the psychosexual...
In this study, we formally examine the association between penis size dissatisfaction and gun ownership in America. The primary hypothesis, derived from the psychosexual theory of gun ownership, asserts that men who are more dissatisfied with the size of their penises will be more likely to personally own guns. To test this hypothesis, we used data collected from the 2023 () survey, a national probability sample of 1,840 men, and regression analyses to model personal gun ownership as a function of penis size dissatisfaction, experiences with penis enlargement, social desirability, masculinity, body mass, mental health, and a range of sociodemographic characteristics. We find that men who are dissatisfied with the size of their penises are likely to personally own guns across outcomes, including any gun ownership, military-style rifle ownership, and total number of guns owned. The inverse association between penis size dissatisfaction and gun ownership is linear; however, the association is weakest among men ages 60 and older. With these findings in mind, we failed to observe any differences in personal gun ownership between men who have and have not attempted penis enlargement. To our knowledge, this is the first study to formally examine the association between penis size and personal gun ownership in America. Our findings fail to support the psychosexual theory of gun ownership. Alternative theories are posited for the apparent inverse association between penis size dissatisfaction and personal gun ownership, including higher levels of testosterone and constructionist explanations.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Adult; United States; Firearms; Penis; Masculinity; Ownership; Young Adult; Surveys and Questionnaires; Body Dissatisfaction; Adolescent; Aged
PubMed: 38819006
DOI: 10.1177/15579883241255830 -
European Review For Medical and... Sep 2023There is insufficient data on which cut-off value must be used to measure the increase in total testosterone (TT) compared to the upper limit of normal (CULN) in the...
OBJECTIVE
There is insufficient data on which cut-off value must be used to measure the increase in total testosterone (TT) compared to the upper limit of normal (CULN) in the diagnosis of androgen-secreting tumor (ASTM) in female individuals with premenopausal hirsutism (FIPH).
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A total of 413 FIPH over 18 years of age who were admitted to the endocrinology clinic between May 2013 and 30 April 2018 were eligible for the study. Hormone profiles of the participants in the follicular phase and other information were obtained from their files. The androgen suppression ratio (ASR) was analyzed after 48 hours of low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST) in those whose TT CULN (nmol/L) increased two-fold.
RESULTS
Idiopathic hirsutism was found in 193 participants (46.73%) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in 200 (48.43%) and other sources of hirsutism; non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH) in 10 patients (2.42%), hyperprolactinemia in 6 patients (1.45%), ASTM of ovarian origin in 2 patients (0.48%), Cushing's disease in 1 patient (0.24%), and adrenal ASTM in 1 patient (0.24%). A cut-off value of two-fold CULN increase for TT sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 99.5% in indicating an ASTM source, and ASR above 49% in LDDST sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 100% in excluding an ASTM source, was used.
CONCLUSIONS
At the TT level, a two-fold increase CULN in FIPH indicates an ASTM source. In addition, ASR after LDDST is a useful parameter in the exclusion of ASTM sources in the same patient population.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adolescent; Adult; Testosterone; Androgens; Hirsutism; Testosterone Congeners; Neoplasms
PubMed: 37782181
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202309_33791 -
Evolutionary Human Sciences 2023The impact of sexual dimorphism on facial attractiveness has been controversial owing to contradictory results, particularly in studies on female preferences. Given that...
The impact of sexual dimorphism on facial attractiveness has been controversial owing to contradictory results, particularly in studies on female preferences. Given that sexually dimorphic facial features, especially more masculine ones, have been previously related to the perception of anger, we investigated the bi-directional influence of emotional expressions and facial masculinity and explored their impact on women's preferences for facial masculinity. We confirmed the effect of facial sexual dimorphism on the perception of emotional cues (happiness and anger) and explored whether smiling or angry expressions influence women's perception of masculinity in male faces. Additionally, we examined women's preferences for emotionally expressive male faces altered along a continuum of masculinity. The results showed that masculinised faces are perceived as angrier, while feminised faces are perceived as happier (Experiment 1), and that angry faces are perceived as more masculine when compared with happy faces (Experiment 2). It is noteworthy that our Experiment 3 uncovered a pivotal finding: women prefer reduced feminisation in happy faces compared with neutral/angry faces. This suggests that the avoidance response observed towards masculinity is attenuated by a smiling expression. The current study introduces a new perspective to be considered when exploring the role of facial masculinity in women's attractiveness preferences.
PubMed: 38155757
DOI: 10.1017/ehs.2023.28