O-11 Masculinities, men’s health, and interpersonal violence in the Caribbean
Author(s):
S. Caffe, C. Hommes, E. Vega
Year of Presentation:
2024
Objective: To analyze how masculinities in the Caribbean may be contributing to shaping and affecting male mortality and health-related perceptions and behaviours related to interpersonal violence.
Methods: This analysis was compiled based on literature review, analysis of available data, and information gathered through stakeholder surveys and interviews.
Results: Interpersonal violence is the leading cause of death for young men in the Caribbean, with one in every four deaths in the age group 15–34 years caused by interpersonal violence in 2019. The distribution of fatal and nonfatal interpersonal violence is not equal: young black males and poor, lower-educated males are disproportionately affected. According to Caribbean scholars, Caribbean masculinities are shaped by the history of the Caribbean characterized by colonialism, slavery and indentureship and the ethnic, linguistic, and religious dimensions, all with their own power dynamics. Key social determinants of masculinity in the Caribbean, including race/ethnicity, education and income, gender, and sexual identity. The analysis identifies a hegemonic Caribbean masculinity characterized by aggression, hypersexuality, risk taking and substance use.
Conclusion: Promoting positive masculinities may contribute to reduction of violence-related male mortality and morbidity in the Caribbean. This will require structural and multi-sectoral approaches targeting individuals, families, and communities and strategic investments to promote, support and improve opportunities for males to adopt and express positive masculinities and healthy behaviors without fear of repercussions.