Performing masculinity, influencing health: a qualitative mixed-methods study of young Spanish men

Abstract

BackgroundThe literature shows how gender mandates contribute to differences in exposure and vulnerability to certain health risk factors. This paper presents the results of a study developed in the south of Spain, where research aimed at understanding men from a gender perspective is still limited.ObjectiveThe aim of this paper is to explore the lay perceptions and meanings ascribed to the idea of masculinity, identifying ways in which gender displays are related to health.DesignThe study is based on a mixed-methods data collection strategy typical of qualitative research. We performed a qualitative content analysis focused on manifest and latent content.ResultsOur analysis showed that the relationship between masculinity and health was mainly defined with regard to behavioural explanations with an evident performative meaning. With regard to issues such as driving, the use of recreational drugs, aggressive behaviour, sexuality, and body image, important connections were established between manhood acts and health outcomes. Different ways of understanding and performing the male identity also emerged from the results. The findings revealed the implications of these aspects in the processes of change in the identity codes of men and women.ConclusionsThe study provides insights into how the category ‘man’ is highly dependent on collective practices and performative acts. Consideration of how males perform manhood acts might be required in guidance on the development of programmes and policies aimed at addressing gender inequalities in health in a particular local context.

Gender differences in the prevalence and clustering of multiple health risk behaviours in young adults

“…), a comprehensive approach in measuring and understanding them by gender is still lacking, with some exceptions, notably in sexual behaviour and sexual health, the abuse of recreational substances, violence and risky driving (Marcos et al . , Koutra et al . ).…”

‘Life under the tent is not safe, especially for young women’: understanding intersectional violence among internally displaced youth in Leogane, Haiti

“…Relational approaches [25] enhance understanding of the complexity of gender power dynamics, including diversity within genders, and the intersection of gender and other identities that produce different experiences of masculinity and femininity. For example, factors such as poverty can shape how masculinities are constructed and enacted [26–28]; gender hierarchies are produced in the construction of masculinities that contribute to GBV and compromise men and women’s health and wellbeing [27]. …”

Análisis Del Autoconcepto Físico Y Sus Dimensiones en Función Del Sexo De Los Adolescentes, De Una Población Media De La Cuenca Mediterránea Española

“…Cuando existe una gran discrepancia entre la autoimagen percibida y la ideal, tiene lugar una alta probabilidad de generar en el individuo un incremento de la ansiedad que puede llevarle a crear un autoconcepto realmente negativo y a un preocupante estado depresivo (Marcos, Calvente, Romo, del Río y Palomares, 2013). Este estado concreto puede verse agravado si el autoconcepto ideal del sujeto coincide con el de los otros significativos, es decir, el individuo desearía ser de un determinado modo porque, por ejemplo, sus padres o sus amigos así lo desean también (Ekeland, Heian y Hagen, 2005).…”