What makes a ‘good man’? A mixed-methods exploration of UK adolescent attitudes towards masculinity

ABSTRACT

Stereotypes of men (e.g., strong, domineering, assertive) can harm boys’ health and contribute to the normalization of sexual harassment. Yet research on how adolescents view masculinity is limited, particularly for those growing up during the #MeToo movement. Using a mixed-methods approach, we explore beliefs about masculinity in a sample of 16 to 19 year olds growing up in the UK (N = 129). Results from the quantitative analysis show that, compared to girls, boys report feeling more comfortable with media representations of hegemonic masculinity, greater adherence to hegemonic ideology, higher self-esteem, and less engagement with the topic. Results from the qualitative analysis reflected these findings; boys’ descriptions of masculinity were more reliant on hegemonic ideals, and they were less critical of the topic than girls. Despite recent narratives on masculinity’s place in society, this study suggests that boys are complacent about societal expectations to behave in line with gender stereotypes.

KEYWORDS:

• Masculinity
• hegemonic ideology
• gender stereotypes
• self-esteem
• adolescence

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

The materials used and the data reported are publicly accessible and can be found here: https://osf.io/5n6xk/?view_only=81b8a02513f44e26a121e1ba83fc6fc7

Ethics approval

The study reported in this paper were conducted with ethical approval granted by the Psychology ethics committee at University Centre Shrewsbury.

Additional information

Funding

The authors did not receive support from any organization for the submitted work

Notes on contributors

Anne McNulty

Anne McNulty, completed her undergraduate degree in Applied Psychology at the University of Chester at University Centre Shrewsbury.

Megan E. Birney

Megan E. Birney., is a Senior Lecturer in Social Psychology at Staffordshire University. Dr Birney’s research looks at identity processes, communication, social stigma, conspiracy theories, obedience, and gender.