Men Have 3 Masculinity Types, Scientists Say

Believe it or not, masculinity can be categorized. At least this is what scientists from the University of British Columbia in Canada say. They conducted a study that led them to define three different types of masculinity that all heterosexual men can be defined by which was led by UBC men’s health expert John Oliffe.

The study of masculinity was based on interviews with 92 heterosexual men aged 19 to 43 from 14 different countries and diverse cultural backgrounds. It is the latest from UBC’s men’s health research program to explore connections between masculinity and men’s mental health and was published in the August issue of Social Science & Medicine.

So, what are the three categories?

The researchers call the first group of masculinity “Neo-traditionalists.” Some men, thy say, largely follow traditional gender roles, such as being the provider and protector in the relationship. This is the “traditional” way of looking at the role of a husband and father. The male supports the female and offspring financially (and protects them) while the woman, the female, bears and raises the children and takes care of the home.

The second group is called “Egalitarian.” This is a modern approach to the male/female dynamic seen in many relationships today. Some men today seek a more equal partnership, with an emphasis on mutuality and measurable give and take. And many couples see the wife earn more and/or have a more difficult or professional type of career. And in some cases even when the husband is still the bread winner he contributes equally to household maintenance and child-rearing.

Finally, the researchers labeled the third type of masculinity as “Progressive.” These men, they say, work on building gender equity in the partnership through regular, purposeful conversations with their partner to adjust who does what.

“We set out to understand how different types of masculinities shape men’s relationships and their mental health. What we found was that these masculine types were associated with different benefits as well as challenges,” noted Dr. Oliffe, the Canada Research Chair in Men’s Health Promotion and a professor of nursing at UBC.

“These shifts and stresses have implications for mental health,” says Dr. Oliffe. “To promote meaningful change, we need to address the structures that influence men’s behaviors.”

“While men are becoming more involved in promoting gender equity, little is known about how younger men work to build partnerships in their private lives,” notes Dr. Oliffe. “With this research, we hope we have helped map that uncharted space and point a way forward for healthier relationships that promote the health of men, their partners and families.”