When the media turns its attention to men and their role in society, the narrative is often very negative, with stories about toxic masculinity, worse physical health outcomes than women, and a reluctance to talk about mental health problems. However, many men are breaking free from these limitations and redefining masculinity on their own terms.
Here’s a look at how men are responding to shifts in cultural norms, a changing economy, and emerging social roles.
Taking more personal responsibility for mental health
Men are often blamed for burying their head in the sand and not taking responsibility for their mental or physical health, but this attitude is slowly changing, particularly among younger generations. For example, a 2024 survey by Aviva found that 76 per cent of Gen Z men (aged 16-27 years) would talk to someone if they were struggling with their mental health.
Younger men also would be more willing to talk about their mental health in online chat forums and online groups. Younger men were also less likely to take antidepressants than older men, with one in five Gen Z using them, compared to over half (fifty four per cent) of all men over the age of 55.
Commenting on the research, Dr Doug Wright, Medical Director, Aviva UK Health, said: “Over the past few years, much work has been done to help people recognise that mental health is as important as physical health. It’s likely that this change in attitude is helping to drive the positive trends we’re seeing from the younger generations taking part in our research.”
“It’s encouraging that men are becoming more open to talking about their mental health. This is a positive step which will help enable a preventative approach to mental ill-health and give more people the confidence to seek help when they need it.”
Taking charge of physical health
Men are also increasingly taking responsibility for their physical health. For example, in the wake of high-profile figures who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer such as the Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, there has been an uptick in inquiries about prostate cancer tests.
Men over the age of 50, black men, and those with a family history of the disease are considered to be most at risk.
Speaking openly about sexual and reproductive health
Traditionally, the burden of sexual and reproductive health has been placed on women, but men are increasingly taking responsibility for their own sexual health. For example, more men are now willing to openly discuss problems such as erectile dysfunction (ED).
There is much greater awareness that this is a problem that is not shameful and should be swept under the carpet, but can be successfully treated.
For example, most men are now aware that lifestyle changes such as weight loss, stopping smoking, regular exercise, and managing stress can help to combat ED. There is also wider access to medical solutions, such as Viagra subscriptions that can be arranged with an online chemist in the UK.
Redefining masculinity
While the internet has fuelled the rise of toxic masculinity and subsections of men who are fearful or resentful of a more equal society, there is growing awareness that certain masculine ‘norms’ such as aggression and the suppression of emotions are harmful.
Many men are now more interested in cultivating emotional intelligence and take a much less rigid view of what their role in society is. There is less stigma around men expressing emotional vulnerability, and conversations about mental health, compassion and kindness are becoming normalised.
For example, many high profile men have opened up about their mental health struggles in recent years. These include surprising figures such as Dwayne ‘the Rock’ Johnson, grime artist Stormzy; the rock musician Bruce Springsteen, the boxer Tyson Fury, swimmer Michael Phelps and rugby star Jonny Wilkinson.
More flexible approach to work and careers
The shift to a more equal society has taken the pressure off men to be the breadwinner, and this has enabled men to explore different patterns of working or take a more active role in parenting or caring duties. For example, paternity leave or stay-at-home dads are now more normalised as relationships and roles become more equal.
Overall, men are adapting to a changing society as cultural norms shift. Although there’s still a long way to go, the more outdated and harmful attitudes of the past are being eroded and replaced by new, more flexible, positive, and balanced approaches.
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