Religion, Masculinity, and the Mental Health of African Men
摘要
Across the diverse cultural landscape of Africa, the intersection of religion, masculine norms, and the mental health of men forms a complex tapestry that significantly shapes individual lives and societal dynamics. In many African contexts, religious beliefs and practices, as well as masculine norms may jeopardize men’s mental health. Surprisingly, this phenomenon receives little attention in African literature devoted to mental health and development. Understanding the nuances of this intricate interplay between religion, masculine norms, and the mental health of African men may help develop culturally sensitive approaches to address mental health challenges in this population. This chapter aims to explore the intricate interplay between religion, masculinity, and the mental health landscape of African men within the framework of Social Constructionism. This framework emphasizes how socio-cultural norms, including religious beliefs and cultural expectations, shape individuals’ perceptions of masculinity and influence mental health outcomes. The suggestions and recommendations from this chapter can inform health policies by promoting culturally sensitive mental health interventions that address harmful gender norms and leverage the role of religious institutions.