FDA

Comparisons between males and females reveal that men are more likely to die earlier than women and that this so called trend is due to men’s reluctance in help seeking (Creighton, G., & Oliffe, J. L., 2010). Researches in the United States show that men are more affected by severe chronic conditions and die nearly seven years younger than women (Courtenay, W.H., 2000, 1385). It is fair to say that health, in general, has not been much of a concern to men (Stibbe, A., 2004). This follows beliefs that men have hardly ever put their personal health as a main priority in their lives and in general they are often unwilling to ask for help when experiencing issues with day to day living (Addis & Mahlik, 2003). It is argued that hegemonic masculinity is a contributing factor to this and that hegemonic masculinity, in itself, promotes exposure to unhealthy behaviours, which are indeed harmful to an individual’s health (Matthewson, S.H., 2009). Hegemonic constructions of masculinity maintain the image of a man as being strong and resilient and therefore discourage any sort of health positive behaviours (Matthewson, S.H., 2009). Hegemonic masculinity is created through discourses and these discourses go on to show that it is natural and perhaps even inevitable that men behave in certain ways (Stibbe, A., 2004). Not only this but emphasis on male independence and self-reliance opposes help seeking behaviours in males (Matthewson, S.H., 2009). Research suggests that men who abide by masculine ideologies and beliefs are less likely to partake in any health positive behaviours (Matthewson, S.H., 2009), and that in fact men are reluctant to seek help from professional institutions (Addis & Mahlik, 2003). It is important to note, however, ...

... middle of paper ...

...ternational Development Working Papers, 1-31.

Obtained from: http://www.isn.ethz.ch/Digital-Library/Publications/Detail/?ots591=0c54e3b3-1e9c-be1e-2c24-a6a8c7060233&lng=en&id=137047

Kurian, G. (2002) The Changing Role of the Husband/Father in the Dual-Earner Family in South Africa. Journal of Comparative Family Studies 33(3) 401-415

Engle, P.L. (1997) The role of men in families: Achieving gender equity and supporting children. Gender and Development 5(2) 31-40. DOI:10.1080/741922351

Tanfer, K. & Mott, F. (1997) The Meaning of Fatherhood for Men. “Improving Data on Male Fertility and Family Formation Workshop.” Urban Institute, Washington D.C. Obtained from: http://fatherhood.hhs.gov/cfsforum/apenc.htm

Stibbe, A. (2004) Health and the Social Construction of Masculinity in Men’s Health Magazine. Men and Masculinities, 7(1), 31-51. DOI: 10.1177/1097184X03257441