This damages relationships between men by not allowing intimacy. Describe your relationship with your male best friend. Studies have revealed that a man s status is actually improved in social situations merely by labeling someone as gay. Men who are incorrectly labeled as gay immediately become more stereotypically male i.e. they conform more to the hegemonic norm. It limits male interests by forcing them to defend their masculinity through male-stereotyped pursuits.
Masculinity is dangerous for men's health.
Masculine stereotypes about male sexual prowess, phallic power, or being in charge of sex put too much pressure to perform on some men who subsequently suffer from erectile disorders. Because men are supposed to succeed at everything , their likelihood of surviving a suicide attempt is actually decreased by this traditionally masculine expectation. Their higher likelihood of causing automobile accidents results in higher rates of car insurance for young men. Homicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among 15 to 19 year old males. To be a man as defined by cultural norms, is to be under constant pressure to prove yourself.