A recent study published in Sex Roles reveals that “strategic masculine disinvestment,” a process where men intentionally distance themselves from traditional masculine ideals, is linked to poorer psychosocial functioning, including higher levels of distress and anger.
Jessica Pfaffendorf and Terrence Hill examined how changes in masculinity, including the shift away from hegemonic masculinity, marked by traits like stoicism and assertiveness, intersect with broader social changes. As structural support for traditional masculinity erodes, men are increasingly adopting alternative identity strategies.
The researchers analyzed data from the 2021 Crime, Health, and Politics Survey (CHAPS), which included a nationally representative sample of 803 men (ages 18-91) from the United States. To assess strategic masculine disinvestment, participants indicated whether they sometimes acted “less manly” because it helped them get ahead in the world.
Psychosocial functioning was evaluated through validated scales that measured variables such as mastery, anger, anxiety, depression, and nonspecific psychological distress. Mastery was assessed using items that gauged participants’ perceived sense of control over their lives, while psychological distress was measured through the K6 Psychological Distress Scale, which captures symptoms like nervousness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. Participants also provided demographic information.
Younger men and those with college educations were more likely to report strategic masculine disinvestment, reflecting its prevalence among demographics exposed to progressive discourses on gender and identity, particularly in educational settings. Men who reported difficulties meeting basic needs, such as paying bills or accessing healthcare, were also significantly more likely to engage in masculine disinvestment. This finding challenges prior assumptions that masculine distancing is exclusive to privileged men, demonstrating that economic precarity can play a pivotal role in shaping gendered behaviors.
Pfaffendorf and Hill observed consistent associations between strategic masculine disinvestment and poorer mental health. Men who engaged in disinvestment reported lower levels of mastery, feeling less control over their lives. They also experienced higher levels of anger, anxiety, and depression, along with elevated nonspecific psychological distress.
These findings suggest that while distancing from traditional masculinity may offer adaptive responses to changing societal norms, it also brings significant emotional and psychological challenges. The authors propose that these outcomes may stem from cognitive dissonance and identity conflicts as men navigate shifting ideals of manhood in the context of entrenched societal expectations.
The study’s reliance on a single-item measure for strategic masculine disinvestment may limit the reliability of findings.
The research, “Strategic Masculine Disinvestment: Understanding Contemporary Transformations of Masculinity and Their Psychosocial Implications,” was authored by Jessica Pfaffendorf and Terrence Hill.
