The Science Of Feminism: 9 Studies Of Gender (In)Equality

We all know the saying, big boys don't cry - but what effect does this have?

These effects of hypermasculinity on the male mind has largely gone unstudied (ironically probably due to the effects of a hypermasculine society), but recent studies have began to correlate the hypermasculine stereotype with the high rates of stress, depression and overall poor mental health of a lot of men.

A study of 426 adolescent boys found that those who shunned the traditional male stereotypes tended to score much better on the Children's Depression Inventory. The study also found that these boys also tended to have a closer relationship with their mothers, whereas those with a largely male influence in their lives tended to subscribe more to the idea that "boys don't cry".

The ideas of autonomy and emotional isolation inherent in hypermasculinity make males much less likely to seek professional help for a mental health issue. These issues tend to be depression, substance abuse and self esteem related issues such as anorexia and body dysmorphia. 

A vicious cycle is created in the sense that men and boys are initially less equipped to deal with emotional strife than women and girls, and are still further discouraged from seeking help or building a support network, increasing the risk that drastic action such as suicide will be taken, rather than preventative, such as therapy.

A study in 2001 of male undergraduate students in the United States showed that 23% of males reported crying when feeling helpless compared to 58% of females. Without developing the proper channels through which they can express emotion (sometimes something as simple as a good old cry), boys will often find an alternative means of expression in aggressive and antisocial behaviour.