A new study confirms what feminists have been saying since the cave days. Sexism, or patriarchy is bad for men too. So bad, in fact, that it shortens men's life expectancy and causes the untimely demise of men.
In other words, feminism is good for men.
The study suggests a cure that is also suggested in most any Feminism 101 text: radical changes in the socialization of boys and men.
British researchers analyzed rates of female murders and male death rates from all causes in 51 countries in Europe, Asia, Australasia, and North and South America. The prevalence of violence against women was used to indicate the extent of patriarchal control in each of the countries. Socioeconomic factors were also taken into consideration.
The study found that women lived longer than men in all 51 countries. The study also found that those countries with higher rates of female murders (indicating higher levels of patriarchy) also had higher rates for male death and shorter male life expectancies, compared to countries with lower female murder rates, the researchers said.
These data suggest that oppression and exploitation harm the oppressors as well as those they oppress, and that men’s higher mortality is a preventable social condition, which could be tackled through global social policy measures.
For example, changes can be made in the way that young males are socialized into patriarchal gender roles, such as the emphasis on risk taking, aggression and suppression of emotions, the researchers said.
The study is published in the current issue of the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
Thanks for the heads up to Jessica at the always excellent Feministing.
feminism sexism patriarchy sexism-harms-men male-socialization violence-against-women
