The “Ideal Man”

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

Datos Bibliográficos

ID12412964
AutoresAlinda M Young (0000-0001-9277-967X, RTI International, autor de correspondencia), 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)
Año2024
Volumen33
Número2
Páginas417-440
Fecha de publicación2024-11-27
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaThe Journal of Men s Studies (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1060-8265 • E-ISSN: 1933-0251
EditorialSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/10608265241303734
OpenAlexW4404763416
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas9
Referencias citadas50

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