Research conducted in Canada - There exist mere three fundamental categories of men; identify your classification.
Researchers in Canada published a study in the summer of 2023, examining how men approach relationships. The study found three main types of masculinity that influence how men perceive intimate relationships. The study, led by a researcher from the University of British Columbia, analyzed in-depth interviews with 92 heterosexual men aged 19 to 43, despite their diverse cultural backgrounds. The study revealed three consistent patterns, restricting women's options to these three models.
Traditionalists: Men who adhere to traditional gender roles, viewing themselves as providers and protectors within their relationship.
Egalitarians: Men who aim for a balanced partnership. They prioritize fairness and equally distribute tasks and responsibilities.
Modernists: Men who advocate for gender equality in their partnership by engaging in discussions with their partner to split tasks and responsibilities equally.
Let's delve deeper into these three types. With traditionalists, conventional values dominate, reminiscent of the 1950s. Men have clear-cut roles, yet expect women to adhere to traditional roles as well. A man from this group shared his perspective: "She takes care of the housework... I handle the male tasks, such as washing the car and occasionally shopping and home improvement projects." He describes himself as a benevolent patriarch: "The man assumes the leadership role in the family... he ensures the relationship remains fair."
On the contrary, egalitarians frequently need to strike compromises. The ideal situation seems like a well-organized Excel spreadsheet of chore division. As one egalitarian put it: "We had conflicts, with my partner feeling she cooked more than me, which was accurate. We resolved it by planning meals in advance. If she cooks for three days, I'll cook for three days too. With a structured plan, we divided the responsibilities more evenly."
The modernist approach, according to Justin, demands mental effort. "Being committed to an equal relationship calls for self-reflection, examining societal norms, and understanding one's personal desires and those of your partner. It necessitates constant emotional self-evaluation to create a balanced, secure, and open relationship that values vulnerability and fosters intimacy."
Exploring the reality of relationships
This project is part of an ongoing research program on men's health, examining the relationship between masculinity and mental health in men. The study aimed to understand how various masculinity types affect men's relationships and mental health. The findings revealed that these masculinity types were connected to both advantages and challenges. This research is part of a broader context – since the 1980s, gender roles, identities, and relationships have shifted significantly. However, there's a lack of research into how these changes influence relationships in real life.
According to Dr. Oliffe, this is a lesser-known aspect of how younger men build partnerships privately. The larger goal of this research project is to offer guidance for healthier relationships, ultimately promoting men's mental well-being, their partners', and their families'. Men who actively engage in gender equality and social justice achieve better mental health. On the flip side, men who question contemporary equality ideals may face isolation or negativity, which can impact their mental health. The interviews also revealed other minor concerns: even men who theoretically support gender equality struggle to balance household tasks equally.
Source: Social Science & Medicine
This groundbreaking study was conducted by a team at the University of British Columbia and published in the prestigious journal, Social Science & Medicine. The University of British Columbia's research aimed to explore the impact of different masculinity types on men's relationships and mental health.
This research, led by Dr. Oliffe from the University of British Columbia, is part of an extensive program focusing on men's health, shedding light on how traditional beliefs and modern views of masculinity shape intimate relationships and mental well-being.
