Research conducted in Canada - There exist solely three fundamental categories of males; identify your affiliation.
Examining Men's Perspectives on Relationships: A Canadian Study
A study published in the summer of 2023 delved into the perspectives held by men regarding their relationships, conducted by researchers in Canada. They identified three main types of masculinity that influence how men view intimate relationships. Dr. John Doe, the study's lead, from the University of British Columbia, analyzed interviews with 92 heterosexual men aged 19 to 43, spanning diverse cultural backgrounds. Three distinct categories emerged, implying women are limited to these models when it comes to relationships.
Traditionalists: Men strongly uphold traditional gender roles, viewing themselves as providers and protectors within their relationships.
Equalists: Men who prioritize equal partnerships, placing value on reciprocal give and take.
Advocates: Men who actively promote gender equality within their relationships through open communication to decide roles.
To grasp these concepts visually, let's explore some excerpts. Traditionalists appear reminiscent of the 1950s, with men holding clear expectations of their roles and asking women to comply with traditional norms. "She generally handles household chores... while I manage masculine tasks, such as washing the car and home decorations," shared one man, considering himself a fair patrimonial figure: "The man represents the family's head... he bears responsibility for maintaining equality in the relationship."
Equalists often require negotiating compromises. Balancing responsibilities seems to follow an organized approach, as demonstrated by one man: "There were disputes, as my partner felt she cooked more often than me, which was true. We resolved this by scheduling meals well in advance. If she cooks for three days, I cook for three days too. I believe a strict schedule like this helps in dividing tasks evenly."
Advocates demand a great deal of mental effort, according to Justin: "It takes work to foster an equal relationship. It necessitates self-reflection, reflection on our society, self-awareness about personal desires and those of one's partner, and considerable emotional self-awareness to build a relationship that's equitable, secure, fostering vulnerability, and promoting intimacy."
Probing Relationship Realities
This study is part of an ongoing research program on men's health, investigating the connection between masculinity and mental health among men. "We sought to comprehend how various forms of masculinity affect men's relationships and their mental health. We discovered that these men types have both positive and detrimental effects. This is merely a small part of a broader context. Since the 1980s, gender roles, identities, and relationships have undergone significant transformation. The discourse is widespread, but there's a paucity of research on how these shifts manifest in relationships."
Deciphering how younger men now construct partnerships in their personal lives remains an enigma, as per Dr. Oliffe. This research project aims to establish guidelines promoting healthier relationships and contributing to the wellness of men, their partners, and families. Men who endorse gender equality and champion social justice experience better mental health. Men who challenge contemporary gender equality notions may confront criticism or isolation, potentially impacting their mental health. The interviews also revealed some minor discrepancies: even men who theoretically promote equality struggle to evenly divide household tasks 50-50.
Source: Social Science & Medicine
This Canadian study highlights the significance of where you live, as the perspectives on relationships of men in Canada significantly influence their mental health. In fact, the findings suggest that men who endorse gender equality and champion social justice in Canada often experience improved mental well-being.
Moreover, the study conducted in Canada reveals that while some men, regardless of their perspective, may struggle with equal division of household tasks, they still acknowledge the importance of gender equality in their relationships.
