Are Male Gender Roles Unhealthy?
(Canada–Canadian Family Physician, May 2000, p. 1005.) Across cultures and countries, men have consistently poorer health and tend to die at younger ages than women. The average difference in longevity of seven years is often attributed to men’s reluctance to seek health care and their tendency toward risk-taking behaviors. In Western societies, four prominent male roles are thought to contribute to poorer health among men. The “No Sissy Stuff” role requires men to be less emotionally expressive than women and, in particular, to hide vulnerability or emotional distress. Although this role is becoming less dominant in North America, it inhibits men from seeking help, particularly for psychologic needs. The “Big Wheel” role emphasizes power, success and social status. This role is characterized by extreme aggressiveness, hostility and type A behavior, and has been linked to increased mortality, particularly from coronary artery disease. In the “Sturdy Oak” role, men deny pain and sympto
