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Precarious manhood, precarious nations: The contribution of cultural beliefs comprising masculinity to national happiness

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  • Mahalik, James R.
  • Harris, Michael P.

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between precarious manhood beliefs (PMB) and national happiness to understand how cultural gender norms around masculinity contribute to collective well-being. We examined data from 59 countries combining findings from the World Happiness Report (Helliwell et al., 2020) with a global study of PMB and health risk behaviors (Vandello et al., 2023) to analyze associations between PMB and national happiness indicators, including GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceived corruption. The results indicated that higher PMB correlates with lower national happiness, as well as a principal component comprised of reduced GDP, life expectancy, social support, and heightened perceptions of corruption. Limitations include the potential bidirectional relationship between PMB and national happiness. Integrating PMB into national happiness frameworks may provide directions for policymakers and public health practitioners to improve societal well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Mahalik, James R. & Harris, Michael P., 2026. "Precarious manhood, precarious nations: The contribution of cultural beliefs comprising masculinity to national happiness," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 388(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:388:y:2026:i:c:s0277953625010834
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118752
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    1. Marco Ciziceno & Giovanni A. Travaglino, 2019. "Perceived Corruption and Individuals’ Life Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Institutional Trust," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 141(2), pages 685-701, January.
    2. Stephan Klasen & Francesca Lamanna, 2009. "The Impact of Gender Inequality in Education and Employment on Economic Growth: New Evidence for a Panel of Countries," Feminist Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 15(3), pages 91-132.
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