Despite the progress that has been made surrounding equality for men and women, sexism still remains a problem even in the most modern and forward-thinking countries. Now, a new study says that sexism is actually bad for men's health.
According to studies, women working 40 to 44 hours a week only earn around of what men get to take home given the same hours. In the context of the home, women are ten times more likely to experience domestic abuse than men. The inequality favors men over women in most, if not all sectors, of society.
Interestingly, it seems like inherent sexism in men have very detrimental not only to the women they victimize but also to their mental state. According to a research conducted by experts from the Indiana University Bloomington as reported by Eureka Alert, men who consider themselves to have power over women are more likely to develop psychological problems than those who are more progressive.
The study analyzed 78 research samples gathered from 19,453 participants. The data focused on the correlation between the state of mental health and conformity to eleven of the most distinct and apparent masculine norms that include self -reliance, power over women and sexual promiscuity to name a few.
Y. Joel Wong, lead author of the recent study published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology, explains that men who focus on traditional masculine norms tend to have an unhealthy mental state. They are also less likely to seek help for their psychological problems:
"In general, individuals who conformed strongly to masculine norms tended to have poorer mental health and less favorable attitudes toward seeking psychological help, although the results differed depending on specific types of masculine norms."
Wong further elucidates how their research would help in understanding and eliminating sexism in society. According to the scientist, their study reveals that sexism is more than social injustice but it also is a contributing factor to overall mental health.