'That's not masculine': masculine capital and health-related behaviour

J Health Psychol. 2009 Oct;14(7):1047-58. doi: 10.1177/1359105309342299.

Abstract

In recent years increasing attention has been given to how different masculinities are expressed in young men's health behaviour. To examine whether men can use competence in key health-related masculine domains to compensate for other non-masculine behaviour, group discussions were conducted with men aged 18-21 living in London, England. The analysis revealed the ways in which competence in traditionally masculine health-related domains produces masculine 'capital', which can be used to compensate for non-masculine behaviour in other domains. However, the capacity to trade this capital is limited because different masculine and non-masculine behaviours have different values.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Alcohol Drinking
  • Focus Groups
  • Gender Identity*
  • Health Behavior*
  • Humans
  • London
  • Male
  • Masculinity*
  • Men's Health
  • Physical Fitness
  • Sexuality
  • Young Adult