Introduction
Despite the increasing visibility of gender equality in recent decades, prostitution—a profession that transcends times and societies—still presents stark disparities between sexes. This article sets out to explore the variances in experiences and repercussions male and female sex workers encounter, attributed due to societal gender expectations and established gender roles.
Gender Expectations and their Impact on Men’s Psychological Health
Traditional gender roles that are deeply ingrained enlighten our understanding of male sex work. The prevailing social norms often present males as providers and protectors, concepts that can negatively impact their psychological wellbeing when challenged or contradicted by the realities of sex work.
Masculinity and Stigmatization
Most societies idealize men as strong and dominant, and when the opposite is true, stored in engaging in sex work, it can lead to self-stigmatization. The incongruence between societal expectations and the reality of their lives can lead to internal struggles and mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and self-deprecating thoughts.
The Facade of Emotionless Male
Society often expects men to be stoic and emotionless. This expectation can deny male sex workers the needed emotional outlet for their experiences, escalating stress levels and daily struggles, contributing to deteriorating mental health.
Examples of how Gender Roles can Impact Men’s Lives
Male prostitutes often face more violence and more harassment from law enforcement compared to their female counterparts, attributed to sexism and social constructs of masculinity where male vulnerability is often overlooked.
Furthermore, gender roles often undermine the necessity for protective measures for male sex workers. The societal perception of males being less susceptible to harm can prevent adequate resource allocation to male sex workers that focuses on their safety and health.
Moreover, male sex workers may lack adequate healthcare services as the risk of disease is often associated solely with females in the profession, again influenced by gender-related societal beliefs.
Tips for Improving Psychological Health Considering Gender Roles
Understanding the unique challenges male sex workers face is the first step toward promoting their psychological wellbeing. Encouraging emotional openness and vulnerability amongst men, normalizing mental health conversations, providing adequate resources for male sex workers, and eradicating stigmatizing beliefs can play a significant role in boosting their psychological health.
Professional consultation or therapy is crucial not only to treat the existing mental health issues but also to avoid the potential ones. Therapy equipped with an understanding of the clients’ lived experiences as male sex workers can be incredibly beneficial.
Conclusion
The world of prostitution is as complex and diverse as the people it comprises. Though mostly perceived from a female-centric viewpoint, it’s of utmost importance not to overlook the issues and barriers affecting male sex workers. Understanding and addressing these gender-specific challenges is a significant step towards resolving the hardships and enhancing the wellbeing of male sex workers.
