The idea that men should be stoic and bury their emotions remains pervasive, however, the ability to be emotionally vulnerable and expressive is and should be an important part of masculine identity.
A century ago, a pioneering sex researcher challenged the idea that respectable women did not – and should not – experience sexual desire or have sex, except to please men or have children.
The young men we surveyed mostly rejected traditional models of masculinity based on aggression, stoicism and homophobia, but a sizeable minority still support them.
Ellen Choi, Toronto Metropolitan University and Allen Sabey, Northwestern University
Constrictive social norms and views of masculinity still prevent many men from being vulnerable and seeking help, which is impacting their mental well-being.
A new wave of research shows how working-class young men are changing their behaviour. But some remain hostile to the term “toxic masculinity” and see it as a vehicle for shaming men.
For young men who struggle with mental health or lack connections in real life, chat and community features of online games can be a source of support.
The Barbie movie has caused a media storm, even before the photo of the pink-clad Canadian PM and his son circulated on social media. Much of the conversation has zoned in on men and masculinity.
This is an intuitive finding, but we had little empirical evidence of it until now. It highlights the critical role fathers play in steering boys towards healthier expressions of masculinity.
Head of Education and Human Resources Programs at American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS); Trustee, California Institute of Technology