The “Ideal Man”

How Gender Norms and Expectations Shape South African Men’s Masculinity, Sexual Identities, and Well-Being

Bibliographic Data

ID12412964
AuthorsAlinda M Young (0000-0001-9277-967X, RTI International, corresponding author), Mpho Moji (University of the Witwatersrand), Zoe Duby (0000-0001-7615-8152, South African Medical Research Council), Siyanda Tenza (University of the Witwatersrand), Millicent Atujuna (0000-0003-1287-2634, Desmond Tutu HIV Centre), Thesla Palanee‐phillip (0000-0002-0052-5830, University of the Witwatersrand), Thesla Palanee-Phillips (University of the Witwatersrand), Alexandra M Minnis (0000-0002-2943-2005, RTI International), Elizabeth Montgomery (0000-0002-5477-4445, RTI International)
Year2024
Volume33
Issue2
Pages417-440
Publication date2024-11-27
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe Journal of Men s Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1060-8265 • E-ISSN: 1933-0251
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/10608265241303734
OpenAlexW4404763416
LanguageEN
Citations received9
References cited50

Dominant gender norms among South African males promote ideals of masculinity characterized by control, emotional stoicism, and power, which can impact overall health. This study explores South African men’s perceptions of the “ideal” man, societal expectations, and how sexual identities intersect with masculinity, health-seeking behaviors, and HIV prevention. We conducted 40 interviews with men who have sex with women and men who have sex with men, aged 18–35 years who resided in Johannesburg or Cape Town municipal areas. Participants described their idea of the “ideal man” as a provider, protector, and role model, though these ideals varied across contexts. High family and community expectations created both stress and motivation. Barriers to sexual healthcare included resistance from male-dominated communities and stigma towards non-heteronormative sexual identities, particularly among men who have sex with men. Addressing these challenges requires promoting more inclusive understandings of masculinity and improving healthcare access by challenging gender norms

Hegemonic masculinity · Ideal (ethics · Masculinity · Political science · Sociology · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Gender Roles and Identity Studies · Gender Studies · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Psychology · Social Psychology