Research conducted in Canada (Original Text) - Understanding men's classifications, one might fall under three fundamental categories. Identify yours.
Researchers in Canada, publishing their findings in summer 2023, delved into how men approach dating. They identified three primary types of masculinity that influence how men envision intimate relationships. The study's lead, hailing from the University of British Columbia, analyzed 92 interviews with heterosexual men aged 19 to 43, despite their diverse cultural backgrounds. Apparently, these three personas emerged consistently. In essence, women are left with choosing among these three archetypes.
Traditionalists: These are men who adhere strongly to conventional gender roles, viewing themselves as providers and defenders within their relationships.
Equality Seekers: These men aim for a balanced partnership. They appreciate mutual respect, fairness, and equal give-and-take.
Futurists: These men strive to achieve gender parity in their partnerships. They engage in discussions with their partner to ascertain roles, fostering understanding and shared responsibilities.
A glimpse into these characters sheds some light. Traditionalists appear to live in the 1950s. These men have a clear perception of their duties still expecting women to adhere to traditional roles. "She manages the household chores, while I attend to masculine tasks like car washing. I assist with shopping and home decorations as well." This man views himself as a benevolent patriarch: "The man takes charge of family affairs, ensuring relationships are equitable."
Equality Seekers, on the other hand, often grapple with finding a balance. The ideal appears to be a structured division of labor, as showcased in a hypothetical Excel table. "I encountered disagreements when my partner felt she cooked more frequently than I did. We resolved this by pre-planning meals, ensuring equal cooking days. If she cooks for three days, I cook for three days too. Adhering to a structured schedule and dividing responsibilities fairly helped us achieve parity."
Futurists, however, require emotional investment. Justin, a participant, stated bluntly, "Maintaining a balanced relationship requires commitment, self-awareness, societal reflection, and understanding personal desires and those of your partner. It necessitates a ton of emotional self-reflection to create a harmonious, secure, and vulnerability-embracing relationship."
Diving into Relationship Realities
This study forms part of an ongoing research programme focusing on male health and the correlation between masculinity and psychological well-being. The aim was to understand how varying forms of masculinity affect men's relationships and mental health. Surprisingly, these masculine identities were found to confer both advantages and challenges. This project contributes to a more significant context; since the 1980s, gender dynamics, roles, and relationships have evolved rapidly. However, earlier research on this matter is minimal.
It remains largely unknown how today's younger men construct partnerships in private life, according to Dr. Oliffe. The broader aim of the project is to pave the way for healthier relationships, fostering improved mental well-being not only for men but their partners and families too. Men who advocate for gender equality and social justice generally enjoy better mental health. On the flip side, men who question existing gender equality norms may face isolation or criticism, which could also impact their mental well-being. It was discovered that even those men theoretically supportive of equality struggle to equally divide household chores 50-50.
Source: Social Science & Medicine
In light of the study's findings, women may find it challenging to choose between these three distinct approaches to relationships. The Traditionalists, with their adherence to conventional gender roles, may require partners who are comfortable adhering to traditional duties.
In contrast, Equality Seekers thrive on a fair and balanced division of responsibilities in their relationships, requiring open communication and collaboration to establish a structured schedule.
