Effects of Masculine Culture on the Mental Health of Northern Sotho Male Youth

Abstract

Background Mental health challenges have become a pressing public health concern in recent years, with the World Health Organisation reporting a notable prevalence of such difficulties in Africa. In the region, the contributing factors to this conundrum include inadequate infrastructure, severe underfunding, and a strong adherence to masculine culture. However, there is a lack of studies exploring the effects of masculine culture on the mental health of males, particularly black African males. Objective The current study aimed to examine the effects of masculine culture on the mental health of Northern Sotho male youth. Methods The study adopted a qualitative research approach, an interpretive research paradigm, and an exploratory research design. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample. Researchers collected data through individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews and analysed it through qualitative content analysis. Results The findings suggest that Northern Sotho male youth value adhering to masculine culture, but such adherence can have negative consequences, as failing to meet these expectations may lead to mental health issues. Future studies should include black male youth from other ethnic groups to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the influence of masculine culture on mental health. Conclusion The current study enhanced our understanding of the impact of masculine culture on the mental well-being of Northern Sotho male youth, emphasising the importance of tailoring mental health interventions to this specific group within the study's context.