Countries with extreme views on masculinity are unhappy places to live, study finds
A new study has found that people living in countries where men believe they must constantly prove their “manhood” are less happy.
The research found that places where beliefs about precarious masculinity (PMB) are higher also have lower economic output, lower life expectancy, less social support and higher perceptions of corruption.
Lebanon, Iran and Nigeria were among the countries with the highest PMB and lowest happiness levels, while Scandinavian countries such as Denmark, Finland and Sweden had the lowest PMB levels and the happiest people.
“These findings suggest that cultural beliefs about masculinity worsen health inequalities, reduce collective well-being and increase the burden on national health services, underscoring the need to examine the impact of precarious masculinity on national happiness,” the study says.
Researchers from Boston College analyzed data from 59 countries, combining findings from the World Happiness Report with a global study on PMB and health risk behaviors.
They then analyzed correlations between PMB and national happiness indicators, including GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceived corruption.
Countries with high PMB and low happiness levels may have stricter gender expectations, which can contribute to social stress and decreased happiness, the researchers noted.
In contrast, Scandinavian nations, or countries like New Zealand and Canada, are generally characterized by progressive gender norms, robust social welfare systems and egalitarian social structures, they said.
Countries such as the UK, US, Italy and Romania were in the middle range in terms of happiness and PMB levels. “These societies may balance traditional gender norms with increased openness to evolving gender roles,” the study added.
National happiness was measured by life satisfaction, stress levels, sense of community and trust, personal well-being and social cohesion.
The researchers said: “In societies that endorse precarious masculinity, men are forced to repeatedly ‘prove’ themselves by conforming to rigid gender norms that emphasize strength, stoicism and dominance, ultimately undermining health and social well-being by discouraging cooperation, emotional openness and support.”
“Research on precarious masculinity consistently shows negative associations with well-being at both individual and societal levels.
“At the individual level, men who internalize precarious masculinity beliefs are more likely to be anxious and defensive, engage in risky behaviors such as physical aggression and financial risk-taking, and avoid behaviors perceived as feminine to affirm dominance and control.”
Earlier this month, journalist Louis Theroux released his Netflix documentary Inside the manosphere, investigates the growing network of ultra-masculine men.
The documentary sparked increased debate about the “manosphere”, an online ecosystem of sites that promote hypermasculinity and anti-feminist ideologies.
