Effects of masculine culture on the mental health of Northern Sotho male youth

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Mental health challenges have become a pressing public health concern in recent years, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting a notable prevalence of such difficulties in Africa. Within the region, the contributing factors to this conundrum include inadequate infrastructure, severe underfunding and a strong adherence to masculine culture. However, there is a lack of studies exploring the effects of masculine culture on the mental health of males, particularly Black African males. OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to explore the effects of masculine culture on the mental health of Northern Sotho male youth. METHODS: The study was grounded in a qualitative research approach, an interpretive research paradigm and an exploratory research design. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample. Data was collected through individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews and analyzed using qualitative content analysis through the lens of gender role conflict theory. RESULTS: The findings revealed that the participants' understanding of masculine culture was centred on the intersectionality of social processes and cultural ideologies. Furthermore, the study revealed that Northern Sotho male youth value masculine ethos; however, this can have negative consequences as failure to meet these expectations may lead to gender role conflict (GRC) and consequently mental health difficulties. Additionally, the study also discovered that in trying to cope with the mental health difficulties, maladaptive mechanisms were adopted. Future studies should include Black male youth from other ethnic groups for a more comprehensive understanding and tracking of the long-term intersectional trajectory of masculine culture and mental health difficulties among men. CONCLUSION: The current study provided valuable insight regarding the effects of masculine culture on the mental health of Northern Sotho male youth and underscored the need for culturally sensitive, context-specific awareness campaigns, and targeted interventions to raise awareness and help educate males on the long-term negative implications that masculine culture may have on their mental health.

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