Endorsement of Traditional Masculinity Ideology among Students at a State University in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Traditional masculinity ideology has shaped the way men think and behave over the years. This study sought to examine masculine  norms and assess traditional masculinity ideology among university students. The male role norms inventory (short form) (MRNI-SF) was administered to 190 students online. Participants had a mean (±SD) age of 34.61 (±9.98) years, of which 55.79% were male. The  researchers used descriptive statistics. Male students in the MRNI-SF had a total mean total score (±SD) of 4.05 (±1.18) scoring above the  midpoint of the 7-point scale. Female’s total mean score (±SD) of 2.91 (±0.92) scoring way below the midpoint. Male more than female  students significantly, (p<0.001) endorsed traditional masculinity ideology. The study established that males generally conformed to the  norms in the dimensions of “avoidance of femininity”, “negativity towards sexual minorities”, “selfreliance through mechanical skills”,  “toughness” and “importance of sex”. The research also established that females conformed to “negativity towards sexual minorities”  and “selfreliance through mechanical skills”. Based on these findings, the researchers recommend a multi-sectorial approach to  redefining masculine norms, and an increased access to psychological services as well as further research on masculinity.