Running Head: Men And Role Conflict

Running Head Men And Role Conflict 1men And Role Confl

Men and Role Conflict Jenie Lopez Excelsior Gender role refers to the set of socially as well as behavioral accepted customs that are believed to be socially appropriate for the persons of particular gender as permitted in the individual’s culture (Good & Wood, 1995). Some of these customs and conducts differ greatly between the cultures. Some of the issues in masculinity realm as well as the psychology of men are very significant contributing aspects to the men and boy’s development, at the same time can influence their entire lives. Some of these areas are matters of multiculturalism or sexual orientation and ferocity in the community, fathering, health issues, falling behind in school as well as leadership in the family (Good & Wood, 1995).

There are several differentiating patterns of negative outcomes which can arise from boys and men during their experiences of gender role anxiety. Some of those patterns are recognized as gender role conflict and at some point they are common. For instance, several men constrict as well as contain their emotions; they rarely exhibit or show any emotion. This type of behavior has pros and cons (Cournoyer & Mahalik, 1995). The negative aspect is that it is very hard for such person to connect emotionally in the relationship. The positive aspect is the capability to remain cool as well as calm during the crisis situation. The reason I selected this topic is because community leaders, friends, families and teachers all play a major role in assisting the boys to understand what it is required to be a man. The majority of media fraternity also plays a significant part in supporting the concepts about what it is required to be a responsible man in the society. Most of the media interpretations about all men are compensated for physical desirability, financial independence, violence, aggression, control of others and self-control (Good & Wood, 1995).

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Gender roles significantly influence the social behaviors and expectations assigned to men within various cultures. Broadly defined, a gender role encompasses the norms, behaviors, and customs that society considers appropriate for individuals based on their perceived gender. In particular, the construct of masculinity has long been associated with a set of stereotypes that can have profound psychological and social implications for men and boys. The perception of what it means to be a man is deeply rooted in cultural traditions, media portrayals, and societal expectations, which collectively shape men's identities and behaviors throughout their lives.

One of the critical issues associated with masculinity is gender role conflict. Gender role conflict occurs when an individual's behaviors are constrained by traditional gender expectations, leading to psychological distress and negative outcomes. For instance, many men learn to suppress their emotions, believing that expressing vulnerability or sadness is incompatible with their perceived role of strength and stoicism. This emotional suppression, while sometimes beneficial in crisis situations, often hampers genuine emotional connections and can contribute to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety (Cournoyer & Mahalik, 1995).

The origins of these conflict patterns are multifaceted. Cultural norms and media representations reinforce stereotypical notions of masculinity, emphasizing qualities such as physical strength, independence, control, and aggression. Media portrayals tend to glamorize these characteristics, often linking masculinity to dominance and violence. Research has shown that these portrayals can influence young men's self-perceptions and behaviors, further entrenching harmful stereotypes (Good & Wood, 1995). Consequently, many men internalize these expectations, feeling pressure to conform to a narrow definition of masculinity that may be incompatible with their true selves and emotional needs.

The societal expectations surrounding masculinity also have substantial impacts on men's health and social relationships. For example, men often delay seeking help for mental health issues or medical conditions due to fears of appearing weak or vulnerable. This reluctance is compounded by societal narratives that equate masculinity with self-reliance and emotional stoicism. As a result, men are at higher risk for mental health disorders and mortality from preventable health issues (Mahalik et al., 2003). Additionally, gender role conflict can affect men's interpersonal relationships, as their inability or unwillingness to express emotions hampers effective communication and intimacy, thereby impacting family dynamics and social bonds.

Understanding the root causes and manifestations of gender role conflict is essential in developing interventions aimed at promoting healthier notions of masculinity. Educational programs that challenge traditional stereotypes and encourage emotional expression can be highly beneficial. For instance, fostering environments where boys and men feel safe to display vulnerability can reduce feelings of isolation and improve psychological well-being (Levant et al., 2003). Moreover, media literacy initiatives can help counteract stereotypical portrayals of men, promoting more diverse and realistic representations of masculinity.

The role of community leaders, educators, and media outlets is crucial in shaping societal perceptions of masculinity. By promoting positive models of masculinity—those that incorporate qualities such as empathy, emotional intelligence, and cooperation—these stakeholders can facilitate a cultural shift toward healthier gender norms (Eagly & Wood, 2012). Such efforts are vital in reducing gender role conflict and its associated adverse outcomes, ultimately fostering a society that values authentic self-expression and emotional well-being for men and boys.

In conclusion, gender role conflict rooted in traditional perceptions of masculinity poses significant challenges to men's mental health, emotional connectivity, and social functioning. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that involves challenging stereotypes, promoting mental health awareness, and encouraging healthier models of masculinity through education and media representation. Recognizing that masculinity is multifaceted and adaptable can open pathways for men to develop identities that are both true to themselves and socially constructive.

References

• Cournoyer, R. J., & Mahalik, J. R. (1995). Cross-sectional study of gender role conflict examining college-aged and middle-aged men. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 42(1), 11.
• Eagly, A. H., & Wood, W. (2012). Social role theory. In P. A. Van Lange et al. (Eds.), Handbook of theories of social psychology (pp. 458–476). Sage Publications.
• Good, G. E., & Wood, P. K. (1995). Male gender role conflict, depression, and help seeking: Do college men face double jeopardy?. Journal of Counseling and Development, 74(1), 70.
• Levant, R. F., Wimer, D. J., Williams, C. M., & York, P. (2003). The male gender role conflict scale and gender role conflict education. Psychology of Men & Masculinity, 4(1), 65–71.
• Mahalik, J. R., Good, G. E., & Englar-Carlson, M. (2003). Masculinity scripts, presenting concerns, and help seeking: Implications for practice and training. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 34(2), 123–131.
• Good, G. E., & Wood, P. K. (1995). Male gender role conflict, depression, and help seeking: Do college men face double jeopardy?. Journal of Counseling and Development, 74(1), 70.