Conservatives prefer toxic masculinity over what's actually best for men's health

[applegrove]

https://thinkprogress.org/conservatives-toxic-masculinity-apa-mens-health-8cf9f5a952b0/

Zack Ford at Think Progress

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The American Psychological Association has issued new guidelines designed to improve both the safety and mental health of men and boys. Many of the recommendations involve dismantling aspects of masculinity that inhibit wellness, which has conservatives up in arms that men are under attack.

In the ensuing debate this week, conservative pundits, columnists, and religious figures have indicated that they believe masculinity is biological and fundamental, leading them to conclude that the report is purely political. But what the APA actually highlights is that men themselves are harmed by the way society conditions them to conform to traditional stereotypes of masculinity. Not only are those stereotypes not inherent, but there are ways men can be men without conforming to them.

Being socialized to these stereotypes, the report explains, “has been shown to limit males’ psychological development, constrain their behavior, result in gender role strain and gender role conflict, and negatively influence mental health, and physical health.” This pressure to conform helps explain why boys are more likely to have learning difficulties and behavioral problems, as well as why men are more likely to commit (and be victim to) violent crimes and why they’re over-represented in prisons. Most importantly, these behaviors and attitudes often create barriers to receiving the mental health support men need to avoid such negative outcomes.

For example, because boys are taught “to be self-reliant, strong, and to minimize and manage their problems on their own,” adult men are then less willing to seek mental health treatment. The report also cites several studies that have shown that adult men who endorse sexist male role norms are likely to be aggressive against both men and women who violate those norms. Men are also four times more likely than women to die of suicide. The new guidelines connect the dots to make sure men can receive the care they need instead of following through to the subsequent stereotype of responding with violence.

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