Over the past decade and a half, the discourse surrounding the patriarchal nature of society has entered the mainstream, much due to the rise of feminism and gender roles conversations. These conversations are not new or unique to the twenty-first century, as the idea of dismantling patriarchy is almost as old as conversations surrounding women’s rights in modern society. Throughout most of this ongoing discussion, it is almost unanimously agreed that the patriarchal nature of society has been the metaphorical boot on the neck of many if not all, women.
However, it is not just women who have suffered due to the misgivings of a single gender favouring society. This is not to downplay the effect that the patriarchy has had on women nor to deflect or detract from the experiences of women in a mostly male-dominated society. However, it is also a fact that the same men who, in some ways, benefit from the structure that is the patriarchy are also hurt by it. This article does not aim to antagonise men against women or other men but to highlight how this archaic system hurts everyone by placing a microscope over the wounds it has dealt to men.
The Patriarchy and Toxic Masculinity
Toxic masculinity is something that has entered popular vernacular in recent years. Used to describe historical and social expectations of manhood in their worst iteration, namely emotional suppression, aggression and not always but commonly sexism and homophobia. It is hard not to see how a system like patriarchy that fosters outdated cultural norms could be a perfect breeding ground for toxic masculine traits.
But How Does This Negatively Affect Men?
It doesn’t require a degree in psychology to understand what harmful effects can be borne out of suppressed emotions. But it goes beyond just the suppression of emotions. As many men grow up in environments that do not allow them to be expressive of their emotions, they simply become incapable of doing so. Even when the conditions around them change.
As most men are raised with the thought that they are to be dominant or in charge, it creates a mental state that usually leads to dysfunctional relationships. The normalisation of abuse, particularly physical abuse in relationships, is in part due to the ideas perpetrated by the patriarchy. In simple terms, it creates men incapable of effectively dealing with their immediate family beyond the role of provider.
How the Patriarchy Hurts Men’s Health
These effects are also present in how they affect the mental health of men. According to data from a 2019 Survey, well over 65% of adults in therapy were women. Men accounted for the remaining nearly 35%. The consequence of this is multilayered. For one, it simply means there is a large section of men in society who are not in their best state in terms of their mental health. Beyond that it also means that much of the literature and research surrounding psychology and therapy is more adequate at helping women as they make up a considerable amount of the sample size.
These effects are not only limited to mental health. Well, for one, it is important to break the notion that mental health has no bearing or manifestations in the physical world. Depression, stress, anxiety and many other conditions do cause or exacerbate existing physical conditions such as high blood pressure. Additionally, men who are less likely to commit to therapy are more likely to die from suicide.
In addition to this, neglect of one’s health is a staple occurrence in the patriarchy amongst men. This takes form in many ways, the most highlighted being the downplaying of the effects of one’s symptoms. Since the patriarchy deems it that men do not show weakness or vulnerability, they are less likely to visit a doctor for check-ups or even stick to their prescribed medication. Unsurprisingly, the life expectancy of men is lower worldwide, even when excluding factors such as war.
How to Fix the Patriarchy for Men?
Given the deep-rooted negative impacts the patriarchy has on men, how do we fix the patriarchy? Well one way to fix it would be to tear it down in completion. Whilst the ongoing debate on whether gender roles have a place in modern-day society is ongoing and should continue. It is a conversation independent of the role of the patriarchy in society. By definition, the patriarchy discriminates on the basis of gender. Removing its associated norms from the public consciousness will create a window of opportunity for men to grow various aspects that are more relevant and beneficial to them and modern-day society
But How Do We Do It?
The patriarchy is an agent and a remnant of culture, and as such, a cultural shift is required. This is a shift we have already started to see and is one that should continue to be pushed forward whether it be by institutions, the education and health care sector or a conscious decision by popular media.
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