Why Don’t Heterosexual New Alternative Masculinities Choose Enchained Women for Either Sporadic or Long-Term Relationships?

Abstract

Research on the reproduction of disdainful and toxic models of heterosexual relationships shows their negative effects on people’s health status. Contrarily, the preventive socialization process illustrates the development of alternative relationships, which are directly related to egalitarian, passionate and non-violent values and have been demonstrated to produce positive effects on health. The present study focuses on the socialization process, analyzing how men choose their affective and sexual relationships and examining the influence of the new alternative masculinities (NAM) approach on these choices. The defining characteristics of these men are self-confidence, solidarity, and strength to face violence and any discrimination. The investigation has used a qualitative methodology with a communicative orientation. Firstly, seven semi-structured interviews with men who follow the NAM’s approach have been conducted. Secondly, a content analysis has been conducted focused on discourses and messages shaped on internet forums and songs about how men explain their choices and interests in their relationships. The results reveal the existence of men who prefer women that get excited with egalitarian men and not with chauvinist and violent men. These kinds of choices show an improvement in heterosexual men’s affective and sexual relations as well as in their health status.

Keywords

• new alternative masculinities
• relationship choices
• attraction
• double standards
• health