DeGue et al 2023_masculinity beliefs among US mothers and fathers

A Qualitative Analysis of Beliefs About Masculinity and Gender Socialization Among U.S. Mothers and Fathers of School-Age Boys

Introduction

The internalization of culturally dominant masculine gender role norms can have detrimental effects on the physical and emotional health of men and boys. Parents are pivotal in shaping gender-related beliefs in their children, yet there is limited research on how they view masculinity and their parenting roles in gender socialization. This study engaged 83 parents through 13 focus groups, including Black, Latino, and White parents from both rural and urban areas in the Southeastern United States, to explore their beliefs about masculinity. The beliefs ranged from rigid to flexible, with generally more flexible perspectives from mothers and White parents compared to fathers and minorities. These insights illustrate the potential risks associated with restrictive masculinity norms and help inform interventions aimed at healthy gender socialization.

Key Findings

Gender Role Norms

Men and boys are subjected to substantial social pressures to conform to masculine norms, which prescribe attributes such as toughness, stoicism, independence, and dominance. Surveys indicate a significant portion of U.S. men feel pressured to act strong regardless of their true feelings, contributing to harmful stereotypes around masculinity. While some traditional views promote positive behaviors, many aspects of dominant masculinity correlate with negative health outcomes, including higher rates of suicide and chronic diseases among males compared to females. The socialization of these norms begins early through both implicit and explicit cues from parents, media, and peers.

Parental Beliefs and Practices

Parents expressed varying degrees of rigidity in their beliefs, with more flexible views linked to greater emotional openness and supportiveness in parenting. Those holding rigid beliefs often viewed ideal masculinity through a lens of control and provision, while flexible beliefs encompassed broader behavioral options, including nurturing and emotional expression. Racial and cultural contexts influenced these beliefs, with Black parents particularly highlighting societal expectations and racism's impact on Black masculinity. Mexican-American fathers noted shifts towards more involved and emotionally expressive parenting styles across generations.

Methodology

Thirteen focus group discussions were conducted from May to June 2020, primarily online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were recruited from community groups, focusing on parents of boys aged 5-9. The discussions were structured to elicit perspectives on masculinity norms and their implications for parenting. Participants included 83 parents: 56.6% fathers and 43.4% mothers, with varying racial and educational backgrounds.

Reactions to Norm-Challenging Messages

Participants' responses to media vignettes—specifically a Gillette commercial and a trailer for "The Mask You Live In"—varied significantly. Some parents recognized the harmful impacts of traditional masculinity norms, viewing them as societal issues needing change, while others framed them as parenting challenges, attributing boys' struggles more to inadequate values than to restrictive norms. A notable segment of fathers resisted the idea that masculine norms are inherently harmful, emphasizing instead the positive attributes associated with traditional masculinity, such as strength and responsibility.

Implications for Interventions

The study indicates an urgent need for tailored interventions that address the nuances of parental beliefs about masculinity. Messaging that reinforces positive aspects of flexible masculinity may resonate better, particularly among those with rigid beliefs. Community involvement—such as engaging educators and leaders—can further shift social norms and support parents as they strive to raise emotionally healthy boys. The findings highlight the potential for proactive gender socialization interventions to mitigate public health issues linked to rigid masculinity.

Conclusion

This research demonstrates the interplay between cultural norms, parenting practices, and beliefs about masculinity. There exists a spectrum of beliefs among parents regarding masculinity, influenced by racial, ethnic, and socio-economic factors. As primary agents of gender socialization, parents play a crucial role in setting the stage for healthier social norms, better emotional health outcomes, and reduced instances of violence and injury among boys. Future efforts should focus on developing communication strategies and parenting programs that reinforce positive masculinity among young boys.