While progress has been made in addressing gender inequalities, there are still situations where challenges differ between men and women. In some instances, women might find certain aspects of life less complicated compared to men. This article highlights various scenarios where women may have the advantage, illustrating the complexities of gender dynamics.
Navigating Fatherhood without Role Models
Men who lack positive paternal role models may struggle with their parenting roles. Whether the lack of role models is because their father was not around or because he was just emotionally unavailable, modern men are having to work harder to be the father they wish they had growing up without having a person to shape that image.
Dealing with Body Image Issues
While often seen as a women’s issue, men also face pressure regarding physical appearance but may have fewer outlets for discussion. Men struggle with losing their hair and gaining extra weight but usually internalize these feelings instead of having a support system around them.
Performing Household Chores and Childcare
People will often say a father is “babysitting” their own child when the mother is taking time for herself, making the father look less like a parent and more like a stand-in person. Men may also get a hard time from their buddies for separating the whites and colors while doing laundry, though women absolutely love men who do chores properly.
Receiving Empathy in Situations of Abuse
Male victims of domestic violence or sexual assault may struggle to be taken seriously. Men are taught not to hit women but then are ridiculed for being “beat up by a girl” if a woman hits them and they take it. For men, this is a no-win situation. Men become less likely to report domestic violence and sexual assault out of shame and fear no one will believe them or care.
Maintaining Emotional Intimacy with Other Men
Cultural norms around masculinity can hinder deep emotional connections among men. Psych Central sums up male friendships, “Males tend to value relationships that include shared activities, are less intimate, and [are] transactional.” Though these friendships rarely discuss their innermost feelings, they are less volatile than female friendships and need less contact to remain “close.”
Navigating the Pressure to Be Financially Successful
Men often face societal pressure to achieve high levels of financial success. In a poll asking what traits people value in men, 23% say society values professional and financial success most in men, including 14% who specifically mention money or being rich, 6% who reference jobs or careers, and 6% who cite being a breadwinner. Even after feminism and equality in the workplace, men have not gotten a break from being providers.
Resisting the Urge to Suppress Emotions
“Boys don’t cry” was something many young boys were taught when they were caught up in big emotions. Watching their fathers never get publicly emotional also drilled this concept home. Men are frequently taught to suppress emotions, which can be harmful to mental health.
Overcoming Fear of Failure
Women have imposter syndrome but are also given more latitude to fail, try again, or move on and try something new. They are able to live with family longer without worrying about being ostracized as well. The expectation for men to succeed and provide can make the fear of failure particularly acute for men.
Balancing Masculinity with Femininity
Women are able to go out and work, work out, and show their strong side along with their softer feminine side without being questioned. Men who exhibit traditionally feminine traits like vulnerability or a certain way of maintaining their appearance can be fearful of ridicule for being “a sissy.”
Dealing with Stereotypes of Aggression
Men may find it challenging to navigate the assumption that they are naturally aggressive or violent. This can be especially challenging for men with larger builds and stronger physiques. People can be fearful of even the gentlest men just because of the way they look or even just because they’re men.
Aging and Masculinity
As men age, societal views on masculinity can lead to feelings of inadequacy, especially concerning physical strength and sexual performance. Men have a harder time opening up about the changes to their bodies as they age because they feel like they will be seen as less of a man. This mentality has made big business for ED drugs, Rogaine, and workout programs for mature men.
Gain Custody of Children
Historically, because women have been seen as the nurturers and caregivers, they are almost always given custody of any children during a divorce. Even though men are now taking on more and more parental duties and being hands-on with their kids, court system biases have not caught up and are still biased toward giving children to their mothers.
Interacting with Children
It is considered normal for women to be involved in the lives of children, even if they don’t have any. Men, unfortunately, have to be careful when interacting with children to not be accused or mistaken for someone wishing to do them harm.
Expressing Vulnerability
Social norms often discourage men from showing vulnerability, as it conflicts with traditional masculinity ideals. Men are historically expected to be the providers and to be strong, dominant, and in control. While these can be good things, they can make it harder for men to reach out for help and open up for fear of being seen as weak.
Seeking Help for Mental Health Issues
Stigma and the perception of weakness can make it difficult for men to seek help for mental health concerns. Men are more likely to use harmful coping methods such as drugs or alcohol and less likely to talk to family or friends about their mental health, which may be why men are three times more likely to commit suicide than women.
Achieving Work-Life Balance
Societal expectations for men to be primary breadwinners can pressure them to prioritize work over personal life. Though Millennials and Gen Z are looking for partnerships that are equal in all aspects instead of men being expected to be the providers and women being the caregivers, the natural instinct of most men may be harder to rewire.
Maintaining Platonic Friendships with Women
Societal assumptions about cross-gender friendships can complicate these relationships for men. While men and women can be just friends with no sexual or romantic intention, people find it harder to believe men have no desire for their female friends. Women are also far more likely to ask their significant others to stop speaking to female friends for fear they may cheat.
Finding Romantic Partners
Dating and finding romantic partners are frequently described as much harder for men than women. Men’s standards often stay the same no matter how many women they think they have available to meet, while women become pickier the more partners are “on the market.” Women also tend to have trust issues from past relationships that cause them to wonder what’s wrong with a man if he’s single.