“If You Do Not Fit in With the Stereotype, They Eat You Alive”: Discourses of Masculinities and Their Reflections in Young Spanish Men’s Health

2021 ◽  
pp. 104973232110500
Author(s):  
Ariadna Cerdán-Torregrosa ◽  
Daniel La Parra-Casado ◽  
Carmen Vives-Cases
Keyword(s):  
Hegemonic Masculinity ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Social Representations ◽  
Men’S Health ◽  
Discussion Groups ◽  
Men's Health ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Qualitative Approaches ◽  
The Social ◽  
Sexual Orientations

Hegemonic masculinity has been especially linked, among other aspects, to unhealthy behaviors and heterosexuality. This study aimed to explore the discourses of masculinities with young Spanish men with different sexual orientations (heterosexuals, bisexuals, and homosexuals), comparing them with the social representations that are put into practice on Instagram. Three qualitative approaches were triangulated to seek a richer comprehension and interpretational level: discussion groups, semi-structured interviews, and an online non-participant observation on Instagram with a total of 26 young men aged between 18 and 24. Results indicate that hegemonic masculinity discourse is still significant when understanding and experiencing young men’s masculinities, promoting behaviors that put their health at risk and generating psychological discomfort, especially among non-heterosexual men. Our findings provide knowledge of the social framework that legitimizes and reproduces male domination in younger generations both online and offline and how this is reflected in men’s health.

Being old, being healthy: the dimension of health in the social representations of old age

2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 132
Author(s):  
Gabriela Silveira de Paula ◽  
Patrícia Do Socorro Magalhães Franco Espírito-Santo
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Social Representations ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
Key Words Aging ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The Social

ABSTRACT Objective: to understand the social representations of the elderly on aging and experiences related to health involved in this process. Methodology: the qualitative methodology was applied; data collection was carried out through participant observation, semi-structured interviews and field journal. The interviews were recorded, and a signed a free and clear consent form was obtained, with seven elderly volunteers in Franca – São Paulo, Brazil. The study was approved by Uni-FACEF´s Research Ethics Committee (035/2009). Results: from the analyses of the interviews, three social representations were found among which health constituted the center of discussion: (1) Life silencing: a stigmatized old age where health is determined by declining physical and mental capacities; (2) New identity: an active old age where health is what provides freedom and independence; (3) A natural process: old age is an expected stage and health is spiritual well-being. Conclusions: these results show that social representations of old age are associated to the current redefinition of health; to a positive concept of health; and to the individual’s responsibility for health, that is associated with the aging reprivatization. Key words: Aging; health; social representations; contemporaneity. RESUMO Objetivo: compreender as representações sociais do idoso acerca do envelhecer e das vivências relativas à saúde implicadas neste processo. Metodologia: utilizou-se a metodologia qualitativa, a coleta de dados foi realizada por meio da observação participante, entrevistas semi-estruturadas, e diário de campo. Após a assinatura dos termos de consentimento livre e esclarecido, as entrevistas foram gravadas com sete idosos voluntários na cidade de Franca – SP. Para preservar a identidade dos participantes, todos os nomes utilizados neste artigo são fictícios. O projeto de pesquisa foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa do Centro Universitário de Franca (protocolo 035/2009). Resultados: a partir das análises das entrevistas, emergiram três RS acerca da velhice, nas quais a saúde constituiu-se em eixo de discussão: (1) A vida silenciando: uma velhice estigmatizada, em que a saúde é marcada por declínios nas capacidades físicas e mentais; (2) A Nova identidade: uma velhice ativa em que a saúde é aquilo que dá liberdade e independência; (3) Um Processo natural: a velhice é uma etapa esperada, e a saúde é o bem-estar espiritual. Conclusões: tais resultados demonstram que as RS da velhice estão associadas à atual ressignificação da saúde; a um conceito positivo de saúde; e à responsabilização individual pela saúde, a qual se associa à reprivatização do envelhecimento. Descritores: envelhecimento; saúde; representações sociais; contemporaneidade. RESUMEN Objetivo: comprender las representaciones sociales de las personas mayores sobre el envejecimiento y las experiencias relacionadas con la salud implicada en este proceso. Metodología: se utilizó una metodología cualitativa, la recolección de datos fue realizada por medio de la observación participante, entrevistas semi-estructuradas y diario de campo. Las entrevistas fueron grabadas, firmados los términos del consentimiento libre e informado, con siete voluntarios de la ciudad de Franca – São Paulo, Brasil. El estudio fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación de la Uni-FACEF. Resultados: a partir del análisis de las entrevistas, reveló tres representaciones sociales sobre la vejez, donde la salud se constituyó en un eje de discusión: (1) La vida silenciando: una vejez estigmatizada, donde la salud se caracteriza por la disminución de la capacidad física y mental, (2) La nueva identidad: una vejez activa, donde la salud es lo que concede libertad e independencia, (3) Un proceso natural: el envejecimiento es un paso esperado y la salud es el bienestar espiritual.  Conclusiones: Estos resultados demuestran que las representaciones sociales de la edad están asociadas con la actual resignificación de la salud; con un concepto positivo de la salud, que se asocia con la reprivatización del envejecimiento. Descriptores: Envejecimiento; salud; representaciones sociales; contemporaneidad.

scholarly journals Representations of eating and of a nutrition program among female caregivers of children under 5 years old in Tizimin, Yucatan, Mexico

2009 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 940-946 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gloria de los Ángeles Uicab-Pool ◽  
Maria das Graças Carvalho Ferriani ◽  
Romeu Gomes ◽  
Blanca Pelcastre-Villafuerte
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Context ◽  
Infant Nutrition ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Social Representations ◽  
Complex Task ◽  
Eating Patterns ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Ethnographic Approach ◽  
The Social ◽  
Children Under 5

This study was carried out between January and April 2008 with 14 caregivers of children younger than 5 years residing in Tizimín city, Mexico. It aimed to understand the social representations of eating and the Programa Oportunidades [Opportunity Program] held by caregivers taking into account their social and cultural context. This qualitative investigation with an ethnographic approach was based on participant observation and semi-structured interviews. Two empirical categories emerged: 1) feeding and 2) an aid. The first refers to the caregivers' representation of eating patterns of children younger than 5 years and the second reveals that the program is considered an aid, which favors and helps caregivers to meet part of their needs. The study achieved the proposed objectives since it enabled us to understand caregivers in the complex task of feeding these children and also to propose strategies in several spheres to improve infant nutrition.

scholarly journals Public care policies for child and adolescent victims of domestic violence

2007 ◽  
Vol 15 (spe) ◽  
pp. 812-819 ◽  
Author(s):  
Telma Sanchez Vendruscolo ◽  
Maria das Graças Carvalho Ferriani ◽  
Marta Angélica Iossi Silva
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Social Representations ◽  
Child And Adolescent ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Public Care ◽  
Cultural Aspects ◽  
The Social ◽  
Political Economic ◽  
Adolescent Victims

This is a qualitative study that aimed to know and analyze the social representations of social workers regarding the assistance to the child and adolescent, victims of domestic violence. The data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews and participant observation. The data analysis was based on the hermeneutic-dialectic perspective. The empirical categories that emerged from the subjects' representations were: "lack of policy", "do not support because have not received support", and "social assistance" whereas the political economic aspect was highlighted as determinant of violence; the cultural aspects, perpetuating a cycle of violence in the families. An important step must be taken is the formulation of public policies directed to all children and adolescents and not policies of exception, directed only to those who are in situation of "social and personal risk".

How Movember's Online Community Influences Australia's Men's Health Debate

2016 ◽  
pp. 125-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristyn A. Jackson
Keyword(s):  
Online Community ◽  
Hegemonic Masculinity ◽  
Men’S Health ◽  
Men's Health ◽  
Treatment Gap ◽  
Health Treatment ◽  
Male Health ◽  
Community Influences ◽  
Raising Awareness

Contemporary research indicates hegemonic masculinity negatively impacts on the recognised global male health treatment gap, spurring debate around the promotion of male health conversation. Through a case study, this chapter explores how Movember Australia, a global NPO dedicated to raising awareness of and funds for male health illness, has utilised principles of value co-creation in its online campaign to promote conversation around men's health in Australia. Movember's facilitation of online community conversation, engagement and its utilisation of hegemonic masculinity to promote online male solidarity and resultant health conversation is investigated. Research references previous online male health research indicating effectiveness of three themes for health communication and conversation facilitation: personalisation, environment and trust.

Canadian Men’s Health Literacy: A Nationally Representative Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 993-1003 ◽  
Author(s):  
John L. Oliffe ◽  
Donald R. McCreary ◽  
Nick Black ◽  
Ryan Flannigan ◽  
S. Larry Goldenberg
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Men’S Health ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Men's Health ◽  
Low Health Literacy ◽  
The Social ◽  
Health Promotion Programs

Though men’s health promotion has attracted increased research attention, conspicuously absent have been empirical insights to health literacy levels within and across male subgroups. Recent advancements in the measurement of health literacy have made available avenues for evaluating individual and social determinants of health literacy. Important insights can be drawn to detail patterns and diversity among men as a means to informing the design, implementation, and evaluation of tailored health promotion programs. Drawing on 2000 Canada-based men’s responses to the Health Literacy Questionnaire, correlations between demographic variables and six health literacy scales are described. Low income, low education, and living alone were associated with men’s low health literacy, with the strongest effect sizes for the “Social support for health” and “Actively engaged with health care professionals” scales. Multiple linear regressions confirmed low income as the strongest predictor of men’s low health literacy in all the scales except “Appraisal of health information.” Low income, self-identifying as gay, bisexual, or other, and living alone were strongly predictive of low scores on the “Social support for health” scale. The findings affirm the importance of considering men’s health literacy and inequities to advance effective men’s health promotion programs.

Mapping the Field of “AR”: Adventure Racing and Bourdieu’s Concept of Field

2002 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne Kay ◽  
Suzanne Laberge
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Power Structure ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The Social ◽  
Social Dynamic ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Adventure Racing

Drawing on Pierre Bourdieu’s concept of field, this paper explores the particular stakes and struggles that animate both the relationships among adventure racing (AR) participants and the competition among race organizers in order to highlight the social dynamic and power structure of this new “lifestyle” sport. Our investigation relies on a diversity of qualitative data, namely semi-structured interviews with 37 AR participants. Adventure Racing Association Listserve discussion, and participant observation of Eco-Challenge Argentina 1999. Our analysis demonstrates that what is at stake in the AR field is both the definition of the sport practice’s legitimate form as well as its orientation with respect to two dominant delineating forces: “authenticity” and “spectacularization” of the adventure. These two forces currently constitute the specific forms of capital (sources of prestige) that define the AR field.

Hybrid Masculine Power: Reconceptualizing the Relationship between Homosociality and Hegemonic Masculinity

2011 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 390-422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven L. Arxer
Keyword(s):  
Small Group ◽  
Hegemonic Masculinity ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Heterosexual Men ◽  
Social Setting ◽  
Hybrid Form ◽  
The Social ◽  
Alternative Masculinities ◽  
Small Group Interaction ◽  
The Relationship

Most research on heterosexual interaction among men focuses on ideologies, discourses, and practices that correspond to conventional renditions of hegemonic masculinity. Specifically, previous research suggests heterosexual men in homosocial interaction tend to suppress non-hegemonic meanings in constructing a sense of masculinity. Less attention has been given, however, to the ways in which men in homosocial settings conceptualize and negotiate with masculine ideals so as to produce a “hybrid” form of hegemonic masculinity that appropriates non-hegemonic practices. This study examines the production of hybrid hegemonic masculinity through participant observation of men in the social setting of a college bar. Results show that although men did align themselves with conventional hegemonic masculinity, they also incorporated gender practices associated with non-hegemonic masculinities. Interestingly, men often engaged in emotive sharing and preferred cooperation to competition as strategies in small group interaction for reproducing domination over women and subordinate masculinities. The argument is made that hybrid hegemonic masculinity may signal a shift in the landscape of hegemonic masculine power that increasingly appropriates alternative masculinities as a way to protect and reproduce gendered power and privilege.

scholarly journals The Australian Male Policy: Unfinished Business

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (SP1) ◽  
pp. e50-e56
Author(s):  
John Macdonald
Keyword(s):  
Health Policy ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Men’S Health ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Men's Health ◽  
Unfinished Business ◽  
Preliminary Step ◽  
Male Health ◽  
The Social

This comment on the Australian Male Health Policy draws on the framework suggested by Buse, May and Walt which suggests that insights can be achieved by looking at the content, context, process and actors involved.1 As a preliminary step in such analysis, these three elements are briefly looked at. This allows for acknowledgement of some of the strengths of the policy, not least of all its focus on the social determinants of men’s health, a framework often applied to other subpopulations, but rarely to men. On another positive note, the policy led to the funding of a national men’s health longitudinal study and support for the Men’s Shed movement. I also highlight the benefits of the community consultations which occurred, which allowed men from across the country to express their views on men’s health needs. Mention is made of the Brazilian Men’s Health Policy and the Irish Men’s Health Policy and Action Plan from which lessons could be learned.

scholarly journals Gamble on the Uncertain. Negotiating Medical Decision-Making

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 44-59
Author(s):  
Helena Serra
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Strategic Alliances ◽  
Medical Decision Making ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Medical Decision ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Complex Processes ◽  
Transplant Program ◽  
The Social ◽  
Constructivist Approaches

The aim of this paper is to analyze the medical decision-making process in the admission of patients into a Liver Transplant Program in a hospital in Lisbon, Portugal. The relationships and main strategies established among the medical specializations involved in this process will be investigated. The theoretical basis was drawn from medical sociology, in particular, from the social constructivist approaches, which highlight the relation between medical power and knowledge in the construction of medical decision-making. I attempt to elucidate the processes of negotiation through which a medical decision is constructed. The research methodology included non-participant observation and semi-structured interviews with participants from the two medical specializations of interest: liver surgeons and hepatologists. The management of risk and uncertainty in relation to patients’ access to liver transplantation is discussed and the strategic alliances that are formed during medical decision-making in search of consensus are investigated. The research findings show that medical practices and knowledge do not converge linearly to produce a coherent network of actions with a view to decision-making. Instead, medical decision-making is constructed through complex processes of negotiation. The different natures and levels of uncertainty and indetermination that are inherent in the social world of medicine have a fundamental influence on medical decision-making.

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