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Journal of Aging Studies Dec 2022Combining theoretical perspectives and analytical methods from the social sciences and literary studies, this interdisciplinary paper discusses key findings of online...
Combining theoretical perspectives and analytical methods from the social sciences and literary studies, this interdisciplinary paper discusses key findings of online focus groups conducted with Austrian men aged 65+ as well as 'media logbooks' they kept. Within the frameworks of the EU Gender-Net Project MascAge (Analyzing Social Constructions of Aging Masculinities and their Cultural Representations in Contemporary European Literatures and Cinemas), older men of diverse backgrounds met online to reflect on their aging and its intersections with gender. Analyzing these conversations, the paper showcases older men's personal experiences of aging as well as their societal implications. We put forward the hypothesis that the understanding of aging, and aging masculinities in particular, of Austrian men 65+ primarily revolves around the idea of power. Most importantly, they conceive of the aging process as a 'power game' in which one frequently loses, ideally maintains, and - in exceptional cases only - gains power. The paper outlines how both personal experiences and engagement with media representations of aging relate to cultural ideals of old men as figures of authority. In doing so, the paper critically examines these stereotypical notions of aging masculinities as well as older men's potential to subvert them through a narrative process.
Topics: Male; Humans; Aged; Austria; Masculinity; Men; Aging; Focus Groups
PubMed: 36462931
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaging.2022.101035 -
Journal of Experimental Psychology.... Jun 2021In person perception research, femininity and masculinity are regularly conceived as 2 ends of 1 bipolar dimension. This unidimensional understanding permeates work on...
In person perception research, femininity and masculinity are regularly conceived as 2 ends of 1 bipolar dimension. This unidimensional understanding permeates work on facial impressions, gender diagnosticity, and perceptions of LGBTQ individuals, but it is perhaps most prominent in evolutionary work suggesting that sexually dimorphic facial features (which vary along a female-male continuum) correspond directly with subjective ratings of femininity and masculinity, which in turn predict ratings of traits such as attractiveness. In this paper, we analyze 2 large face databases (the Chicago and Bogazici Face Databases) to demonstrate that femininity and masculinity are distinct dimensions in person perception. We also evaluate key theoretical assumptions surrounding femininity and masculinity in evolutionary theories of face perception. We find that sexually dimorphic features weakly correlate with each other and typically explain just 10-20% of variance in subjective ratings of femininity and masculinity. Femininity and masculinity each explain unique variance in trait ratings of attractiveness, dominance, trustworthiness, and threat. Femininity and masculinity also interact to explain unique variance in these traits, revealing as a novel phenomenon. We propose a new theoretical model explaining the link between biology, facial features, perceived femininity and masculinity, and trait ratings. Our findings broadly suggest that concepts that are "opposites" semantically cannot necessarily be assumed to be psychological opposites. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Topics: Face; Facial Recognition; Female; Femininity; Humans; Male; Masculinity; Sexual Behavior
PubMed: 33119352
DOI: 10.1037/xge0000989 -
Qualitative Health Research Dec 2023Men's illness vulnerabilities and resilience are two predominant and regularly linked constructs in the masculinities and men's health literature. There has been a...
Men's illness vulnerabilities and resilience are two predominant and regularly linked constructs in the masculinities and men's health literature. There has been a steady stream of men's strength-based vulnerabilities in the form of illness testimonials amid critiques that such disclosures are mere props for bolstering patriarchal power. The current article presents secondary analyses of case studies with four participants who took part in wide-ranging qualitative health studies to detail diverse connections between masculinities and men's illness vulnerabilities and resilience. Prostate cancer-related vulnerabilities feature in the first case study where Arthur's resilience for reclaiming his erectile function post-prostatectomy mobilizes an objection masculinity contesting his marginality. In the second case study, Chuck's vulnerabilities are conceded as permanent flowing from his severe mental illness, a positionality situating resilience as obligatory for his survival. Here, Chuck embodies a resignate masculinity that accepts but works to manage the harms of his subordinate status. In the aftermath of his young son's suicide, Jack laments that he did not model vulnerabilities. Resilience for understanding his loss influences a reimagined masculinity where Jack contemplates changes to gender norms for his and other men's lives. Lastly, Sami replaces maladaptive actions for dousing vulnerabilities incurred through a partner-initiated separation with resilience for self-growth. Aspiring progress masculinity, Sami deconstructs his emotions and behaviors to positively change how he shows up as a man, father, and partner. The case studies reveal connections between objection, resignate, reimagined, and progress masculinities and men's illness vulnerabilities and resilience to advance empirical, gender theory and methodological insights.
Topics: Humans; Male; Emotions; Masculinity; Men; Men's Health; Suicide; Resilience, Psychological
PubMed: 37902085
DOI: 10.1177/10497323231198967 -
BMC Psychiatry Jul 2023Masculinity norms play a crucial role in men's help-seeking behaviors, service-use, and coping strategies for depression. While previous studies provided evidence for...
The transformation of masculinity orientations and work-related attitudes in men treated for depression (TRANSMODE): study protocol for a mixed-methods observational study.
BACKGROUND
Masculinity norms play a crucial role in men's help-seeking behaviors, service-use, and coping strategies for depression. While previous studies provided evidence for the association between gender role orientations, work related attitudes, stigmatization of men with depression and depressive symptoms, it remains unclear to what extent gender role orientations change over time and whether psychiatric and psychotherapeutic treatment have an impact on these transformations. Additionally, the role of partners in supporting depressed men and the impact of dyadic coping on these processes have not been explored. The aim of this study is to investigate how masculinity orientations and work-related attitudes change over time in men treated for depression, and to examine the role of their partners and dyadic coping in these transformation processes.
METHODS
TRANSMODE is a prospective longitudinal mixed-methods study investigating the transformation of masculinity orientations and work-related attitudes in men treated for depression between the ages of 18 and 65 from different settings in Germany. The study will recruit 350 men from various settings for quantitative analysis. By applying a latent transition analysis, the primary outcome are changes in masculine orientations and work-related attitudes over time, measured at four times (t0, t1, t2, t3) with intervals of 6 months. Qualitative interview with a subsample of depressed men selected using latent profile analysis, will be conducted between t0 and t1 (a1) with a follow-up of 12 months (a2). In addition, qualitative interviews with the partners of depressed men will be conducted between t2 and t3 (p1). Qualitative data will be analysed using qualitative structured content analysis.
DISCUSSION
A comprehensive understanding of the transformation processes of masculinity orientations over time including the impact of psychiatric/psychotherapeutic treatment and the role of partners can lead to the development of gender-sensitive depression treatment tailored to the unique needs of men with depression. Thus, the study can promote more effective and successful treatment outcomes and further contribute to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues among men and encourage them for mental health service use.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This study is registered in the German Clinical Trail Register (DRKS) and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) under registration number DRKS00031065 (Date of registration 06 February 2023).
Topics: Male; Humans; Adolescent; Young Adult; Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Masculinity; Depression; Prospective Studies; Men; Attitude; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37430236
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04979-3 -
American Journal of Men's Health 2022It is important to understand the role of social determinants, such as gender, in suicidal ideation. This study examined whether conformity to specific masculine norms,...
It is important to understand the role of social determinants, such as gender, in suicidal ideation. This study examined whether conformity to specific masculine norms, particularly high self-reliance and emotional self-control, moderated the relationship between psychological distress and suicidal ideation for men. The other norms explored were those pertaining to behavioral-emotional or social hierarchy status aspects of masculinity, and whether they moderated the psychological distress-suicidal ideation relationship for men and women. The Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, and the Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale were administered to an Australian community sample in an online survey ( = 486). As predicted, higher psychological distress was associated with higher suicidal ideation. Self-reliance enhanced the relationship and was the only moderator among men. High self-reliance levels might be an important indicator of risk, which can be used when assessing and working with men who are hesitant to openly discuss suicidal ideation with clinicians. For female participants, higher endorsement of behavioral-emotional norms and lower conformity to social hierarchy status norms appear to increase suicide risk in the presence of psychological distress. Our findings suggest that high self-reliance is of particular concern for men experiencing psychological distress. It is also important to consider the roles of masculine norm endorsement in the psychological distress-suicidal ideation relationship among women.
Topics: Australia; Female; Humans; Male; Masculinity; Psychological Distress; Suicidal Ideation; Violence
PubMed: 36121234
DOI: 10.1177/15579883221123853 -
Medecine Sciences : M/S Apr 2021Gender studies have largely described social practices that lead to an imbalance of power between girls and boys during childhood. However, little is known about how...
Gender studies have largely described social practices that lead to an imbalance of power between girls and boys during childhood. However, little is known about how children represent asymmetries in mixed-gender relationships. Do they expect that males are more likely to exert power on females than vice versa? And if so, does this awareness change depending on children's age, gender, or the country in which they grow up? We present herein an empirical study, recently published in Sex Roles, that addresses these issues. This study included 3- to 6-year-old children, and showed that children from different countries (Norway, Lebanon, France) associate power and masculinity, although it also indicates that girls are less inclined than boys to make this association. We then discuss the worries that children's beliefs of a gendered power may elicit.
Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Cultural Characteristics; Dominance-Subordination; Empowerment; Female; France; Gender Role; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Lebanon; Male; Masculinity; Norway; Sex Factors
PubMed: 33908857
DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2021036 -
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Apr 2018There is no research examining alcohol-related aggression and anti-social behaviour in UK or European sportspeople (athletes), and no research has examined relationships...
OBJECTIVES
There is no research examining alcohol-related aggression and anti-social behaviour in UK or European sportspeople (athletes), and no research has examined relationships between masculinity, alcohol consumption, and alcohol-related aggression and antisocial behaviour in sportspeople (athletes). This study addresses this gap.
DESIGN
Cross-sectional.
METHODS
A sample (N=2048; women=892, 44%) of in season sportspeople enrolled at UK universities (response 83%), completed measures of masculinity, alcohol consumption, within-sport (on-field) violence, and having been the perpetrator and/or victim of alcohol-related violent/aggressive and antisocial behaviour (e.g., hit/assaulted, vandalism, sexual assault). Logistic regressions examined predictors of alcohol-related violence/aggression and anti-social behaviours.
RESULTS
Significant bivariate relationships between masculinity, within-sport violence, alcohol consumption, and alcohol-related aggression and anti-social behaviour were found for both men and women (p's<.001). Logistic regression adjusting for all variables showed that higher levels of masculinity and alcohol consumption in men and women were related to an increased odds of having conducted an aggressive, violent and/or anti-social act in the past 12 months when intoxicated. Odds ratios were largest for relationships between masculinity, alcohol consumption, within-sport violence, and interpersonal violence/aggression (p's<.001). A similar pattern of results was found for having been the victim of aggression and anti-social behaviour.
CONCLUSIONS
Alcohol-related aggression and anti-social behaviour appear to be problematic in UK university sportspeople, and is related to masculinity and excessive drinking. Interventions that reduce excessive alcohol consumption, masculine norms and associated within-sport violence, could be effective in reducing alcohol-related aggression and antisocial behaviour in UK sportspeople.
Topics: Aggression; Alcohol Drinking; Athletes; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Masculinity; United Kingdom; Universities; Violence; Young Adult
PubMed: 29338922
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2017.06.019 -
Fertility and Sterility Feb 1992
Review
Topics: Androgens; Female; Fetal Diseases; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic; Virilism
PubMed: 1735475
DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)54828-6 -
PloS One 2019An extensive review and textual analysis of the academic and popular literature of the human alpha female was conducted to examine the social construction and expression... (Review)
Review
An extensive review and textual analysis of the academic and popular literature of the human alpha female was conducted to examine the social construction and expression of the alpha female identity in a small non-random sample of North American women (N = 398). This review revealed 2 predominant alpha female representations in the literature-one more masculine versus one more feminine-and 21 alpha female variables. In this sample of women, the "alpha female" was found to be a recognized socially constructed female identity. Univariate analysis revealed positive and highly significant differences in self-reported mean scores between alpha (N = 94) and non-alpha (N = 304) females for 10 variables including, masculine traits, leadership, strength, low introversion, self-esteem, life satisfaction, sexual experience, initiates sex, enjoys sex and playing a dominant role in sexual encounters, with alpha females scoring higher than non-alphas. The measure of masculine traits was identified as the only predictor of alpha female status as per the multiple regression model. Interestingly, both alpha and non-alpha women scored the same for the measure of feminine traits. Further, both groups scored higher for feminine traits than masculine traits. The results also revealed that neither social dominance nor sexual dominance were predictors of alpha female status which challenge academic and popularized representations of this identity. The results suggest that although the alpha female is often regarded as an exceptional and, at times, an exoticized form of femininity, like other femininities, her identity is marked by contradictions and tensions.
Topics: Adult; Female; Femininity; Gender Identity; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; Humans; Leadership; Male; Masculinity; Models, Psychological; Self Concept; Sexual Behavior; Social Behavior; Social Dominance
PubMed: 30978215
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215181 -
American Journal of Men's Health Sep 2017Though life expectancy sex differences are decreasing in many Western countries, men experience higher mortality rates at all ages. Men are often reluctant to seek...
Though life expectancy sex differences are decreasing in many Western countries, men experience higher mortality rates at all ages. Men are often reluctant to seek medical care because health help-seeking is strongly linked to femininity, male weakness, and vulnerability. Many men are also more likely to access emergency care services in response to injury and/or severe pain instead of engaging primary health care (PHC) services. Nurse practitioners are well positioned to increase men's engagement with PHC to waylay the pressure on emergency services and advance the well-being of men. This article demonstrates how nurse practitioners can work with men in PHC settings to optimize men's self-health and illness prevention and management. Four recommendations are discussed: (1) leveling the hierarchies, (2) talking it through, (3) seeing diversity within patterns, and (4) augmenting face-to-face PHC services. In terms of leveling the hierarchies nurse practitioners can engage men in effectual health decision making. Within the interactions detailed in the talking it through section are strategies for connecting with male patients and mapping their progress. In terms of seeing diversity with in patterns and drawing on the plurality of masculinities, nurse practitioners are encouraged to adapt a variety of age sensitive assessment tools to better intervene and guide men's self-health efforts. Examples of community and web based men's health resources are shared in the augmenting face-to-face PHC services section to guide the work of nurse practitioners. Overall, the information and recommendations shared in this article can proactively direct the efforts of nurse practitioners working with men.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Health Promotion; Health Status; Humans; Masculinity; Men; Men's Health; Middle Aged; Nurse Practitioners; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Primary Health Care; Young Adult
PubMed: 26614446
DOI: 10.1177/1557988315617721