Gender equality
Men often carry the burden of family responsibilities and workload, feeling the need to armor themselves with toughness and inflexibility, which can harm their mental health. At the root of these behaviors lies the gender belief system—a set of beliefs and opinions about males and females, and the qualities of masculinity and femininity (Deaux & Kite, 1987). Some common cultural tendencies include:
Girls are believed to be better at reading, and boys better at math.
Girls are expected to be well-behaved, while boys are allowed to act out.
Boys are encouraged to engage in sports and discouraged from creative pursuits.
Boys and men are expected to use their voice and physique to prove their manliness.
A study by the American Psychological Association found that women are more likely to experience anxiety and depression, while men are more commonly diagnosed with substance use and antisocial disorders. Women tend to internalize their emotions, which can result in withdrawal, loneliness, and depression. In contrast, men often externalize emotions, which can lead to aggressive, impulsive, and noncompliant behaviors.
From Childhood
From childhood, gender schemas are formed based on cultural norms:
Girls are expected to play with dolls, while boys are given trucks.
Boys are steered toward blue and green, while girls are pushed toward pink and red.
Boys are encouraged to be assertive, while girls are often taught to be shy.
Gender-specific attributes, like spanking or corporal punishment, are frequently reserved for boys, while girls experience different forms of retribution. As children internalize these gender norms, they develop gender schemas that shape their understanding of societal expectations. These early experiences influence coping skills, communication abilities, conflict resolution strategies, and stress management as they grow.
During Youth
Girls are seen as better at reading, boys at math.
Girls are expected to behave, while boys are allowed to act out.
Boys are encouraged to play sports, while creative pursuits are less emphasized.
Boys and men are expected to use their voice and physique to assert their masculinity.
Stereotypes around body image and sexuality continue to harm women’s mental health more than men’s, and workplace inequalities exacerbate this divide. As noted, men are more likely to be diagnosed with substance use and antisocial disorders, while women suffer from higher rates of anxiety and depression. Women tend to internalize their struggles, leading to withdrawal and loneliness, whereas men externalize, often resulting in aggression and impulsive behaviors.
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