Machismo as a Barrier to Health Promotion in Australian Males

Chapter 2: 'Machismo' as a Barrier to Health Promotion in Australian Males

Description:

This chapter will explore Australian masculinity and machismo and its effects upon men's health and behaviours. Machismo will also be discussed as a barrier to health promotion in men. Recommended strategies will be given to assist health professionals to develop effective men's health promotion programs. Generalisations of male behaviours will be made throughout this chapter. These generalisations are necessary in order to highlight trends and issues in men's health and health behaviours. Patterns that are emerging within the field of men's health can also be explored. Health within the majority of Australian males, and from the dominant culture, will be the focus of this chapter.

Topics:

• Hormones or roles?
• Masculinity and machismo in the Australian male
• Machismo and health behaviours
• Machismo as a barrier to health promotion
• Conclusion

Authors:

Christine Taylor
Registered Nurse, Bachelor of Applied Science (Advanced Nursing), Master of Health Science Education, Member of the College of Nursing (New South Wales) Lecturer, Department of Nursing Practice, Australian Catholic University, Sydney

Christine has had a wide variety of clinical nursing experience both in Australia and overseas. At present she is a doctoral candidate and her research activities include, in collaboration with Ailsa Stewart, an investigation into the health behaviour and attitudes of Australian males. Christine is a member of the College of Nursing (NSW) and of the Australasian and New Zealand Association for Medical Education. She is also a reviewer for the Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing.

Ailsa Stewart
Registered Nurse, Acute Respiratory Certificate, Diploma of Teaching (Nursing), Master of Arts, Fellow of the College of Nursing (New South Wales), Fellow of the Royal College of Nursing, Australia Senior Lecturer, Department of Nursing Practice, Australian Catholic University, Sydney

Ailsa has a wide clinical experience and has published previously in the area of culture care nursing. She has conducted research into health promotion and primary health care and is at present, with Christine Taylor, researching Australian men's health behaviours and attitudes. Ailsa is a Fellow of both the Royal Australian College of Nursing and the NSW College of Nursing. She is also a member of the Australian Health Promotion Professionals Association.

Robert J. Parker
Diploma of Education; Bachelor of Education; Master of Education; Fellow of the Australian College of Health, Physical Education and Recreation Senior Lecturer in Human Movement Science, Department of Human Movement, Australian Catholic University, Sydney

Robbie is the author of four books and has contributed to several publications used in secondary schools. He has presented at many conferences in Australia and overseas. He is at present completing his doctorate on the efficacy of exercise on fat loss. He is also investigating the health and fitness levels of school-aged children in NSW, and has just completed seven major reports on the results of the NSW Youth Sports Injury Survey 1994-95. In 1995 Robbie was appointed as a clinical consultant in Sports Medicine to the New Children's Hospital Institute of Sports Medicine, Westmead, Sydney. He is the chairperson of the NSW Fitness Advisory Council and a member of the Australian Fitness Accreditation Council. Robbie has also represented Australia in Rugby.

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