Redefining masculinity – Men’s repair work in the aftermath of prostate cancer treatment

Abstract

Treatments for prostate cancer have many potential side effects such as a loss of erection, weaker orgasms, and incontinence. These are all bodily changes that may challenge dominant masculine ideals. In this article, I use Persson's repair work to describe how men tackle these side effects, and I describe the trouble their repair work elicits in terms of masculinity. I analyse interviews with eleven Swedish men, all treated for prostate cancer, and show that such work is done in three ways. Bodily repair work elicits the work men do to restore bodily functions, often through medical technologies. Relational repair work describes how relations with (potential) others shape men's bodily and sexual concerns, and the ways relations redefine such concerns. Age marking as repair emphasises how age is used in the redefinitions of norms about masculinities and aging bodies, both in relation to oneself and others. The analysis highlights how men's repair work is multifaceted, and is performed against the backdrop of dominant discourses on masculinity, medicine and old age. The analysis of such repair work is valuable to research on how masculinity is constructed in the light of treatment side effects and older age.

Prostate Cancer and the Emotionology of Masculinity: Joking, Intellectualization, and the Reconstruction of Gender

“…The present study shows that the rehabilitation process after prostate cancer treatment can be a prolonged and emotionally turbulent period in men's lives. In line with previous research (Alexis & Worsley, 2018;Bowie et al, 2022;Brüggemann, 2021), our participants must cope with, on the one hand, bodily disturbances and the leaking and impotent body, and on the other, how such bodily changes impact their health, masculinity, and self-identity. We have shown how the men create an openness with each other in the focus groups, demonstrating their preparedness to talk about highly personal and sensitive issues.…”

“…Echoing previous research (Brüggemann, 2021; Hoyt et al, 2013; Oliffe, 2005), the men openly debate and discuss the side-effects and the emotional distress that prostate cancer treatment may cause. Using sarcasm and humour, however, the men try to handle and cope with the inadequacy of the body and adapt to their new life situation.…”

“…Accordingly, men’s different subject positions are structured hierarchically, and dominated by what Connell calls HM. There is of course an extensive literature on Connell’s theory, and it’s applications to men’s health, in general, and prostate cancer, specifically (Brüggemann, 2021; Connell & Messerschmidt, 2005; Johansson & Ottemo, 2015). HM is also filled with different cultural appropriations and descriptions of masculinity.…”

“…The physiological and medical side-effects of prostate cancer treatment may profoundly interfere with the man’s social life, sex life, and mental health (Brüggemann, 2021; Oliffe, 2005; 2009; Tsang et al, 2019), and bring challenges when it comes to coming to terms with one’s identity as a man (Bowie et al, 2022; O’Dowd, 2001). Thus, bodily dysfunctions following treatment for prostate cancer have direct or indirect consequences on how men “do” gender/masculinity, and on their sexual health (Alexis & Worsley, 2018; Oliffe, 2005; 2009; Tsang et al, 2019).…”

“…Thus, bodily dysfunctions following treatment for prostate cancer have direct or indirect consequences on how men “do” gender/masculinity, and on their sexual health (Alexis & Worsley, 2018; Oliffe, 2005; 2009; Tsang et al, 2019). This has been addressed in wide variety of studies in which the disease and its impact on masculinity has been debated in relation to for example ethnicity, sexuality, national context, age and more (Bowie et al, 2022; Brüggemann, 2021; Frey et al, 2014; Maliski et al, 2008; Muermann & Wassersug, 2022; Wentzell, 2014).…”