The Hidden Burden: How Patriarchy Impacts Mental Health for Men and Women

Patriarchy, a system that privileges male dominance in societal structures, has deeply rooted implications on mental health for both men and women. While its most evident effects are the overt gender disparities in opportunities and resources, the subtler psychological impacts can be just as damaging. Central to understanding these impacts is the concept of shame, which acts as a powerful tool for enforcing societal norms and expectations. This system hurts us all.

The Psychology of Shame

Shame is a deeply ingrained emotion that can shape behaviours and attitudes. It emerges from the perception of not meeting societal standards and expectations. In patriarchal systems, these standards are heavily gendered, prescribing specific roles and behaviours for men and women.

For women, shame often stems from failing to adhere to ideals of femininity, which include being nurturing, passive, and attractive. For men, the failure to embody traits of masculinity—such as being strong, stoic, and successful—triggers shame. These gendered expectations not only limit personal growth but also create a pervasive environment of anxiety and self-doubt.

Impact on Women’s Mental Health

Women in patriarchal societies face constant pressure to conform to unrealistic standards of beauty, behavior, and success. This relentless pursuit often leads to:

1. Body Image Issues: The idealisation of certain body types leads many women to experience body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, and chronic low self-esteem. The trends are constantly changing, making it hard to keep up.

2. Work-Life Balance: The expectation to excel both at home and at work creates immense stress and feelings of inadequacy. Women often face guilt for prioritising career ambitions over familial responsibilities or vice versa.

3. Sexual Violence and Harassment: The normalisation of male dominance and female submissiveness contributes to a higher incidence of sexual violence. Victims often feel shame and blame themselves, exacerbating trauma and can lead to PTSD and depression.

Impact on Men’s Mental Health

Men are equally imprisoned by patriarchal expectations, which demand that they suppress vulnerability and maintain control. This results in:

1. Emotional Suppression: Men are socialised to hide their emotions, which can lead to unresolved emotional issues, depression, and a higher risk of suicide. The stigma around seeking mental health support further isolates them.

2. Aggression and Violence: The pressure to assert dominance and control can manifest in aggressive behaviour. This not only harms others but also perpetuates internal conflict and guilt, deteriorating mental health.

3. Unrealistic Expectations: The societal push for men to power through everything creates immense stress. Men often don’t get seen wholly because who could if they’re expected to put on a brave face all the time? The fear of not keeping this (impossible) task up can lead to anxiety, substance abuse, and other mental health challenges.

The Intersectionality of Shame

The impact of patriarchy on mental health is further complicated when intersected with other identities such as race, class, and sexual orientation. For example, women of colour or LGBTQ+ individuals face compounded layers of shame and discrimination, leading to even more severe mental health outcomes.

Patriarchy exacerbates the mental health struggles of trans and non-binary people by imposing rigid gender norms that invalidate their identities and experiences, leading to increased discrimination, marginalisation, and internalised shame.

Breaking the Cycle

Addressing the mental health impacts of patriarchy requires dismantling these ingrained societal norms. Here are some steps we can take:

1. Promote Emotional Expression: Encouraging both men and women to express their emotions openly can reduce the stigma around vulnerability. This includes normalising mental health conversations and creating supportive environments. Learning how to understand and tolerate emotions from a young age helps to establish a secure-enough base within oneself so that they’re able to navigate the ups and downs that naturally come with life

2. Challenge Gender Norms: Education and awareness campaigns that challenge traditional gender roles can help shift societal perceptions. Highlighting diverse role models and success stories can inspire new norms.

3. Support Systems: Developing robust support systems, including accessible mental health services and community networks, can provide necessary resources and safe spaces for individuals to seek help.

4. Policy Changes: Implementing policies that promote gender equality in workplaces, schools, and communities can alleviate some of the pressures that contribute to mental health issues.

Conclusion

The patriarchal system’s impact on mental health is profound and multifaceted, affecting both men and women through the insidious mechanism of shame. By understanding and addressing these psychological burdens, we can foster a society that values emotional well-being and embraces the full spectrum of human experience, free from the constraints of oppressive gender norms. Breaking these cycles not only benefits individual mental health but also paves the way for a more equitable and compassionate world.