The Impact of Societal Ideals on Men’s Body Image
Nguyen, Smitty (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024120633497
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024120633497
Tiivistelmä
This study examines the impact of societal ideals and media portrayals in shaping Finnish men’s body image and self-esteem through a qualitative approach. Using semi-structured interviews with six Finnish male participants aged 18 to 35, the research explores the relationship between societal pressures, cultural expectations and coping mechanisms related to male body image.
The findings reveal pervasive media portrayals and societal standards as perpetuators of narrow ideals of masculinity, usually characterized by markers such as muscularity, leanness and facial symmetry. Participants reported differing levels of dissatisfaction, repeatedly linked to comparison pressure and the internalization of unrealistic ideals.
The study reveals the role of media as both a source of motivation, as well as an amplifier of insecurities. It details coping strategies employed by participants, including exercise as a way to boost self-esteem, alongside avoidance behaviors to inhibit self-consciousness.
By providing insights into the experiences of Finnish men, the study gives commentary to the broader discourse on male body image, calling for the promotion of diverse representations of masculinity.
The findings reveal pervasive media portrayals and societal standards as perpetuators of narrow ideals of masculinity, usually characterized by markers such as muscularity, leanness and facial symmetry. Participants reported differing levels of dissatisfaction, repeatedly linked to comparison pressure and the internalization of unrealistic ideals.
The study reveals the role of media as both a source of motivation, as well as an amplifier of insecurities. It details coping strategies employed by participants, including exercise as a way to boost self-esteem, alongside avoidance behaviors to inhibit self-consciousness.
By providing insights into the experiences of Finnish men, the study gives commentary to the broader discourse on male body image, calling for the promotion of diverse representations of masculinity.