In many countries, there has been a history of sexism since time immemorial. Despite the tremendous changes that have taken place over time in many aspects of life, sexism is still in existence in some societies.

Almost every man, woman or child has been brought up with gender-based views. Men from an early age learn to give women special treatment while women are taught to expect preferential treatment from them. Men are taught to provide, sacrifice, suppress emotions and do other manly things. They are taught to view all these sacrifices as noble. Interestingly, this kind of perceptions brings about sexism. Research that has been published by American Psychological Association says that men who conform to traditional masculine norms are more likely to have psychological problems than men who don’t. They tend to have poorer mental health though they rarely seek psychological help.

Another finding on sexism based on an analysis of 74 studies conducted between 2003 and 2013 also concluded that the more a man conforms to masculine norms, the poorer his mental health and the less he is likely to seek mental health services. Approximately 19,700 predominantly white male participants were subject to this study. The males were between the range of preteens to seniors over 65 years.

Men majorly subscribe to the following norms:

  1. The desire to always win.
  2. To take risks.
  3. Dominance.
  4. Primacy of work.
  5. Power over women.
  6. Pursuit of status.
  7. Disdain for homosexuality.
  8. Retaining emotional control.

Men who embrace the above masculine norms can end up suffering from mental illnesses such as:

  1. Body image trouble.
  2. Depression.
  3. Difficulties associating with others.
  4. Anxiety.
  5. Stress.

Deeper research revealed that adults who lacked college education were found to be more inclined to masculine norms as compared to their counterparts with higher education. The analysis also revealed four dominant masculine norms that resulted in mental health issues which can lead to:

  1. Sexual promiscuity.
  2. Tendency to have power over women.
  3. Self-reliance.
  4. Egocentrism.

In turn, the reasons for conforming to masculine norms were found to have a close association with: loneliness, being hostile, problems with socializing. Self-reliance was found to be the most associated with psychological problems.

However, women bear part of the blame for pushing men into sexism, as some studies suggest. About 78% of women seemed much more comfortable with a man with a steady source of income. Only 4% were ready to try it out with a man having a small income.

In conclusion, not all sexism can cause mental illness in men. Some forms of sexism are worth encouraging as they make men care more for females.