The man box: toxic masculinity

The study defines “The Man Box” as a set of societal beliefs that place pressure on men to be a certain way – like being tough, not showing emotions, being the breadwinner, using violence to solve problems, and having many sexual partners.

Some men are boxed into the stereotypes of being “a real man” (about 30 percent of those surveyed endorsed most of the Man Box ‘rules’), and others are outside the box.

And there are remarkable health differences between the two groups.

“This is the first major Australian survey to map ideals of masculinity among young men, commissioned as part of the Jesuit Social Services’ Men’s Project, which is dedicated to helping boys and men live respectful, accountable and fulfilling lives,” Professor Flood said.

“According to our survey, young men in the “Man Box” were more likely than other men to have poor mental health (including feeling depressed, hopeless or suicidal), to seek help from only a narrow range of sources, and to be involved in binge drinking and traffic accidents.

“This accords with a large number of other studies that have found men who endorse dominant ideals of masculinity are more likely than other men to have greater health risks and engage in poor behaviours. They are more likely to consider suicide, drink excessively, take risks at work and drive dangerously.”

Source: What’s in the man box? Increased violence & suicidal thoughts