Summarize the problems faced by men as a result of sex-role stereotypes

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

It is not just female stereotypes that cause difficulties in human interaction. Males also experience problems in living up to the "Clint Eastwood" image. It is almost impossible for any male to meet such expectations. Yet, there are considerable pressures on males to try-or suffer the consequences. Men frequently feel they must put their careers first and thereby sharply limit the interactions and satisfactions received in being husbands and fathers. In contrast, women are traditionally expected to put their roles as wives and mothers first and thereby limit their growth, capacities, and satisfactions in other areas.
Men in the United States are disadvantaged before the law in several areas. In some jurisdictions, husbands are legally required to provide financial support for their families, and failure to do so is grounds for divorce by the wife. If a marriage breaks up, courts usually grant custody of the children to the wife. In child custody battles, the father bears a heavier burden of proof that he is a fit parent than does the mother, and only in cases in which the mother is demonstrably negligent is the father's claim seriously considered. Alimony is much more frequently awarded to wives, even when both spouses can support themselves. Several men's groups have now formed in various regions of the country to advocate for equal treatment of men in these legal areas. Sex-role stereotyping probably also plays a key role in the following statistics. Men are more likely than women to commit suicide, are substantially more likely to be involved in violence, and commit far more crimes. Alcoholics and drug addicts are primarily men. Males also have higher rates of stress-related illnesses, such as heart disease, ulcers, and hypertension. The life expectancy for men in our society is several years less than for women. This shorter life expectancy stems partly from the pressures they face to succeed financially and from the fact that they are socialized not to vent their emotions. As a result, they experience more psychological stress, which leads to higher rates of stress-related illnesses and thus a shorter life span. Because of male stereotypes, many men view themselves as failures when they cannot meet the financial needs of their families. Some men are badly beaten in fights because they felt they could not walk away and still be "real men." Many women find it frustrating to interact with men who are unable to be honest and open about their feelings. Not being able to live up to the "model man" image makes many men unhappy, depressed, and unfulfilled. Clearly, sex-role stereotyping has huge costs (financial, social, and personal) not only for women but also for men.