Exploring masculinities, sexual health and wellbeing across areas of high deprivation in Scotland : The depth of the challenge to improve understandings and practices

Lorimer, Karen and McMillan, Lesley and McDaid, Lisa and Milne, Dona and Russell, Siân and Hunt, Kate (2018) Exploring masculinities, sexual health and wellbeing across areas of high deprivation in Scotland : The depth of the challenge to improve understandings and practices. Health and Place, 50. pp. 27-41. ISSN 1353-8292

Abstract

Within and across areas of high deprivation, we explored constructions of masculinity in relation to sexual health and wellbeing, in what we believe to be the first UK study to take this approach. Our sample of 116 heterosexual men and women age 18-40 years took part in individual semi-structured interviews (n = 35) and focus group discussions (n = 18), across areas in Scotland. Drawing on a socio-ecological framework, findings revealed experience in places matter, with gender practices rooted in a domestically violent milieu, where localised, socio-cultural influences offered limited opportunities for more egalitarian performances of masculinity. We discuss the depths of the challenge in transforming masculinities in relation to sexual health and wellbeing in such communities.