| Primary Author: | Uchenna Nworah, MSN, RN, FNP-BC |
| Co-Principal Investigators/Collaborators: | Lene Symes, PhD, RN |
| Organization | Texas Woman’s University Michael E. DeBakey VA, Houston, TX |
Abstract
Purpose
To develop the concept of masculinity as a socio-cultural and psychological determinant of men’s health and health care disparities.
Background
Men are not typically considered marginalized or vulnerable. They are perceived as powerful, self-reliant, strong, and tough (Courtenay, 2000). But men in United States have poorer health than women. They have higher morbidity and mortality rates, lower life expectancy, and die disproportionately from preventable illnesses (CDC, 2011; Courtenay, 2003). Masculinity impacts men’s health, beliefs, attitudes, and health behaviors. The stereotypical masculine traits of strength, stoicism, and self-reliance marginalize men’s health as they engage in risky and less preventive health behaviors, and delay seeking needed healthcare. Studies in men’s health and masculinity are emerging science in nursing and other disciplines. This warrants the definition of masculinity as a factor that impacts men’s health and healthcare disparities.
Materials & Methods
Walker & Avant (2011) guideline for concept analysis involves: concept selection, aim, uses, attributes, cases, antecedents and consequences, and empirical referents. PubMed, EBSCOhost, CINHAL, SocINDEX, PsychINFO databases, and internet were searched with following search terms: marginalization, marginal, marginalize, male marginalization, masculinity, hegemonic masculinity, men’s health, and male gender roles.
Results
Masculinity is defined as the state or processes by which boys and men live out learned and internalized socio-cultural, personal, and contextual constructions of maleness by projecting strength, stoicism, self-reliance, and physical aggression for fear of social exclusion, stigmatization, or being perceived as weak leading to not seeking help and less use of health care resources which may lead to poorer health outcomes.
Conclusion
Masculinity embodies what it means to be male which varies among individuals, cultural groups, and over time (Addis & Mahalik, 2003). How men seek-help and use health care resources are products of male socialization, cultural expectations, contextual, and personal experiences. The concept will help nurses to provide gender appropriate healthcare interventions and health education to help bridge the disparities in men’s health.
Bibliography
- Addis, M. E., & Mahalik, J. R. (2003). Men, masculinity, and the contexts of help seeking. American Psychologist, 58(1), 5-14.
- CDC (2011). Men’s Health : Data are for the U.S http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/mens_health.htm
- Courtenay, W. H. (2000). Constructions of masculinity and their influence on men’s well-being : A theory of gender and health. Social Science & Medicine, 50(10), 1385-1401.
- Courtenay, W. H. (2003). Key determinants of the health and well-being of men and boys. International Journal of Men’s Health, 2(1), 1-30.
- Walker, L.O., & Avant, K. C. (2011). Strategies for Theory Construction in Nursing. (5th ed.). Boston: Prentice Hall.
© Improvement Science Research Network, 2012
The ISRN published this as received and with permission from the author(s).