INTRODUCTION
When we hear the word “patriarchy”, what comes to our mind? Men or Women? Undoubtedly, all of us would say men. But have we ever stopped to think that patriarchy does affect men too? Or is it just a system that disadvantages or dominates women? While patriarchy places men at the topmost level of the social structure, it simultaneously confines them to rigid roles, dictating to them what they should do and what not. Men are told to be the breadwinners, expected to run their families, and should bear financial burdens, regardless of their aspirations. They are bound by this patriarchal concept of society to “be strong” and taught that “real men don’t cry” leading them to suppress their emotions and mask vulnerability.
Patriarchy is an ‘umbrella’ term for describing men’s systemic dominance of women. It is characterized by a value and belief system that justifies male dominance and rejects egalitarian structures in the public and private spheres of life.[1] Patriarchy as a social concept designates men as the dominant gender and considers women and children as subordinates. Under this system, men are socialized into leadership positions, creating and perpetuating inequalities between genders.
TOXIC MASCULINITY: A HARMFUL CONSTRUCT
Imagine a man who wants to show his emotions like sadness or fear, instead of being allowed to express his emotions, he was taught to ‘man up’ and shoulder his burdens silently. These lead to severe consequences – exploding in anger, isolating relationships, substance abuse, or self-harm. These narrow stereotypical norms constrain men’s physical and emotional health and their relations with women, other men, and children.[2] This disconnection absolves them, in their minds, from accountability for their actions, perpetuating cycles of harm. If the patriarchy was a car: Toxic Masculinity can be taught of as the ‘factory’ which produces the doors, tyres, engine, and seats.[3] This phenomenon is what we term toxic masculinity, a set of socially constructed traits and behaviours typically associated with traditional ideas of manhood, such as aggression, emotional suppression, dominance, and a need to control or devalue others, particularly women. These traits often manifest in ways that promote homophobia, misogyny, and violence, leading to harm not only for those around men but for men themselves as well.[4]
In a patriarchal society, men are placed in figurative cages that give the illusion of power, but in reality, are caged by self-destructive choices as a result of social constructs.[5] This system, which disguises itself as love or loyalty, weighs down men’s consciences and their heads jubilantly only for the sake of staying in control. Consequently, many men remain inaudible – caught in a purging cycle where the virtues that the society cherishes such as being emotionless and bashful are the obstacles to self-repair and cure.
The Indian legal system includes laws that indirectly confirm gender roles. One such provision is Section 63 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS),[6] which defines rape as a victim being only a woman, hence men being conspicuously excluded from legal protection. This reinforces the idea that men are incapable of being sexually assaulted. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, of 2005,[7] protects predominantly women, while male victims of domestic abuse have limited means of access to justice in the legal arena. Legal frameworks that regard men as both victims and actors in the greater power structure that privileges certain gender roles would address toxic masculinity.
THE SILENT STRUGGLE: MENTAL HEALTH AND MASCULINITY
Patriarchy’s grip on men is starkly visible in their reluctance to seek help for mental health issues. According to a survey by stem4, a youth mental health charity, 37% of boys and young men aged 14-21 have mental health issues. According to the same survey, 51% of these boys and young men do not talk about their issues at all owing to the stereotypes of being weak, and overbearing.[8] Many feared being judged, mocked, or seen as less masculine. [9] Such data shows the depth by which societal norms around masculinity discourage men from talking out about their emotional needs. Stress, anxiety, and depression were the most common issues reported but the barriers to seeking help persist, including fear of shame or lack of courage. The result? Men suffer in silence, which leaves them to deal with their mental health alone, perpetuating the stigma that seeking help is an unacceptable sign of weakness.
THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF PATRIARCHY
Patriarchy does not only resonate with men individually, but rather affects entire families, societies, and all members as a whole. While patriarchy elevates men as superior, it also enhances their restricted roles and compels them to remain under constant pressure, emotional void, and social imbalance. Such a system makes men the active “winners” at times, and other times, the passive “losers.” This, firstly, severely limits their emotional growth. Secondly, this incapacitates them from developing proper relationships.[10] Men are frequent victims of socialization that tells them not to express their emotions, making them weak in expressing their feelings, which gets ingrained in every household as a vicious cycle of ignoring emotions. This kind of emotion-blinding impacts their interface as husbands, parents, and children, thus casting doubt regarding their ability to exhibit supportive behaviours in the family.
Due to this force from the traditional structure of the male role, it becomes difficult for men to make contributions to the home and family. Men are frequently expected to be sole providers, shouldering financial burdens regardless of personal aspirations. This could also be a reason as to why it is expected from men to stay strong and never show weakness and even forming deep friendships is discouraged.[11] These expectations frequently fuel work behaviours, such as aggression, overwork, and a lack of collaboration, which not only harm men but also create hostile environments for everyone.[12] It could also lead to despair and social void, which worsens mental conditions cutting thoughts of suicide out entirely.[13] Society tends to grant superficial benefits but take away from meaningful relationships while such systems still exist, addressing these issues can aid in eliminating patriarchal ideologies.
Family law also reflects patriarchal biases. For example, the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act of 1956 declared the father as the natural guardian of a child,[14] strengthening the stereotype of men as primary breadwinners and women as primary caregivers. For instance, in recent judgments, Nivya V.M. v Shivprasad N.K.,[15] acknowledging instances where the wife is obliged to pay maintenance to financially weaker husbands tends to challenge the traditional thought that only men should be subject to financial burdens. Such turning of tides does reflect the slow but right-wake toward gender-neutral legal principles.
SHIFTING THE NARRATIVE
To break the barriers of patriarchy, it requires us to revise the archetype of masculinity fundamentally. From a young age, boys must learn that expressing emotions is not a sign of weakness but a human nature and a healthy lifestyle. By showing the same affection he boys that is reserved for girls, parents and society can dismantle the stigma of male vulnerability.[16] Avoiding derogatory remarks like “mama’s boy”, when boys express their emotions can normalize the behaviour and will help to create a coherent society and healthy relationships. Schools, workplaces, and communities should actively promote emotional literacy and provide resources that allow men to navigate their feelings constructively. The legal system must evolve to address toxic masculinity. A push for gender-neutral laws, especially in areas such as domestic violence and workplace harassment, can dismantle harmful stereotypes.
The misconception about feminism as a battle for women’s rights also changes the stigma of toxic masculinity. By pushing equal roles of men and women in the house, society, and the workplace, feminism pushes forward the cultural change that will free men and women from the stiff social structure.[17]
This change also demands a broader societal effort. Educating parents about the negative consequences of physical punishment and physical violence would make it possible for children to grow up in a healthy environment in which feelings are not repressed. Campaigns challenging the existing social structures and promoting gender equality can shift cultural perceptions and reduce acceptance of traditional notions. Media and cultural representations of masculinity must also change. Portraying men as complex, emotionally nurturing, and capable of seeking help can normalize such behaviours.
CONCLUSION
Patriarchy, perceived as a masculine system, causes much harm by exerting rigid gender roles and even toxic masculinity. These sociological constructs trap men within the cycle of emotional oppression, unrealistic expectations, and social isolation, thus interfering with their mental health and relationships and, consequently, their well-being. To break these barriers we must challenge stereotypes and redefine the masculinity that will embrace vulnerability and emotional connection. Efforts must begin at home, in schools, and across society by cultivating environments that normalize emotional expression and dismantle stigmas around seeking help. By redefining societal norms and celebrating diverse expressions of manhood, we can pave the way for a balanced, inclusive society where people of all genders can live authentically and harmoniously.
Author(s) Name: Nisha Agarwal (O.P. Jindal Global University)
References:
[1] Parveen Azam Ali and Paul B. Naylor, ‘Intimate partner violence: A narrative review of the feminist, social and ecological explanations for its causation’ (Science Direct , December 2013)<https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1359178913000633> accessed 17 December 2024.
[2] Michael Flood, ‘Toxic masculinity: what does it mean, where did it come from – and is the term useful or harmful?’ (The Conversation, September 21, 2022) < https://theconversation.com/toxic-masculinity-what-does-it-mean-where-did-it-come-from-and-is-the-term-useful-or-harmful-189298> accessed 18 December 2024.
[3] Michael Bejani, ‘ How the Patriarchy Hurts Men: Feminism Is for Everyone’ ( The Egalitarian, January 18, 2024)< https://www.theegalitarian.co.uk/post/how-the-patriarchy-hurts-men-feminism-is-for-everyone> accessed 21 December 2024.
[4]Ms. Haritha H and Dr. Lokesh L, ‘Toxic Masculinity, Self Esteem and Mental Health among Young Adult Males’ (IJRASET, April 5, 2024)<https://www.ijraset.com/research-paper/toxic-masculinity-self-esteem-and-mental-health-among-young-adult-males> accessed 23 December 2024 .
[5] Lenny Duncan, ‘TOXIC MASCULINITY IS KILLING US’ (Fortress Press) <CHAPTER 7. TOXIC MASCULINITY IS KILLING US from Dear Church: A Love Letter from a Black Preacher to the Whitest Denomination in the US on JSTOR> accessed 26 December 2024.
[6] Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, s 63.
[7] The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.
[8] Stem 4, ‘Toxic masculinity: stopping boys seeking mental health support’ ( Under Embargo, November 17, 2021)<https://stem4.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Toxic-masculinity-stopping-boys-seeking-mental-health-support-survey-finds-Nov-21.pdf> accessed 25 December 2024.
[9]Ibid.
[10] Zarafshan Shiraz, ‘Emotional cage and relationship roadblocks: Here’s how patriarchy affects men’s well-being’ (Hindustan Times, July 28,2024)<https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/relationships/emotional-cage-and-relationship> accessed 26 December 2024.
[11] Ibid.
[12] Gavin Meenan, ‘How Does Toxic Masculinity Affect Men’s Mental Health: Unpacking the Psychological Impact’ (March 7, 2024) <https://www.gavinmeenan.com/2024/03/07/toxic-masculinity-mental-health-impact/> accessed 24 December 2024.
[13] Steve Wilson, ‘ On Toxic Masculinity & Healing’ (Kindman and Co.,April 11,2022)<https://www.kindman.co/blog/the-negative-effects-of-toxic-masculinity-and-how-to-heal>accessed 24 December, 2024.
[14] The Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act 1956, s 6.
[15] Nivya V.M. V Shivprasad N.K. [2017] SCC OnLine Ker 2567.
[16]Aashraya Seth, ‘Unmasking the detrimental effects of toxic masculinity on men’ (The Times of India, September 3, 2024)< https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/nonpartisan-perspectives/unmasking-the-detrimental-effects-of-toxic-masculinity-on-men/> accessed 23 December 2024.
[17] Veronika Ilich , ‘How Patriarchy Hurts Men Too’ (Next Gen Men)
<https://www.nextgenmen.ca/blog/why-patriarchy-hurts-men-too>accessed 26 December 2024.
