Revisiting Men’s Rights: Addressing Societal Pressure on Men and Men’s Mental Health

Abstract

The paper tries to raise awareness of the often-overlooked issue of men’s rights. Which mainly focuses on three critical concerns: the psychological pressure placed on men by societal expectations, the harmful effects of gender stereotypes on their well-being and the insufficiency of legal frameworks in addressing the unique challenges faced by men. Using Joseph Pleck’s Gender Role Strain Theory, the paper analyzes how men are socialized under the culturally ascribed rigid and stereotypical masculine norms which burden their emotional expression and result in emotional restraint, internalized stress, along with the high propensity of developing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal. These issues are explored through the lens of A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara, a touching narrative that portrays the profound effects of societal pressures on masculine identity and emotional well-being. Through the lens of this tragic novel, this paper seeks to illustrate how rigid expectations of masculinity shape individual experiences and in turn, inflict greater psychological and social distress than is understood.The analysis reveals that there is an emptiness in men’s identity and that masculine roles should not be placed under constant guidelines and a legal system designed to dictate what masculinity entails. In conclusion, the paper advocates for a more nuanced understanding of masculinity and the development of a revised framework that prioritizes the mental and emotional well-being of men.