The Will to Die. Men, Masculinity and COVID (PDF)

Seminar paper from the year 2023 in the subject Psychology - Social Psychology, grade: 1,3, University of Cologne, course: Theoretical Foundations of Social and Economic Psychology, language: English, abstract: The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has unveiled striking disparities in infection and mortality rates, with one notable trend being the higher susceptibility of men to severe outcomes. As men account for a disproportionate number of COVID-19-related deaths in the United States, understanding the underlying factors contributing to this gender-based disparity becomes imperative. While initial investigations predominantly focused on biological differences between the sexes, emerging evidence suggests that societal constructs of masculinity play a pivotal role in shaping men's responses to health recommendations and, consequently, their vulnerability to COVID-19.

This paper delves into the intricate relationship between masculinity and the elevated rates of COVID-19 infections and deaths among men. By drawing on insights from psychological studies, the analysis goes beyond the confines of biological explanations, highlighting how traditional male behaviors, such as risk-taking, independence, and resistance to authority, may contribute to men's lower adherence to health recommendations.

The title, "The Will to Die: Men, Masculinity & COVID-19," encapsulates the essence of this exploration, hinting at the complex interplay between traditional masculinity norms and the heightened susceptibility of men to the severe consequences of the pandemic. From risk-taking behaviors to a distrust of scientific expertise and lower levels of Agreeableness, each aspect will be dissected to provide a comprehensive understanding of why men, adhering to traditional masculine norms, may be more resistant to following crucial COVID-19 health guidelines.

This research aims not only to unravel the specific behavioral patterns linked to masculinity but also to shed light on the broader societal implications of how deeply ingrained norms of masculinity can impact public health outcomes during a global crisis.