Misogyny linked to new M-Factor affecting 1 in 5 men
A new study has identified a distinct psychological profile that researchers are calling the "M-Factor." Researchers describe M-Factor as a sociological cluster of beliefs defined by male supremacy, an openness to violence, and intense opposition to gender equality. And alarmingly, one in five men buy right into it.
Peeling back the layers on misogyny
The study is meant to peel back the layers and shed some light on misogyny. It was conducted by researchers from the University of Zurich, in collaboration with Mencare.
Conducted in Switzerland, it surveyed men ages 16 to 64 about things like gender roles, family life, relationships, sexuality, masculinity, and experiences with violence.
“The M factor reflects an attitude that sees ‘true masculinity’ as under threat. It is associated with notions of male supremacy, a propensity for violence, misogyny, contempt for sexual minorities and opposition to gender equality,” said study leader Denis Ribeaud, a criminologist and sociologist at the Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development at UZH, according to Phys.org.
How influencers and online media are influencing masculinity
It's no secret that the world of online influencers and social media has changed the landscape of pretty much all aspects of life, and masculinity and misogyny are no different.
The study looked closely at the links, particularly how social media can promote forms of extreme male dominance and extreme masculinity.
“Our data show that all these views are closely linked and can be traced back to a common underlying attitude,” read the study.
A whopping 20% of men had a high M factor
Perhaps most surprising, and even alarming, is that 20% of men surveyed scored high for the M factor. This means they have a higher potential for violent or problematic behavior.
The numbers were higher in men aged 18 to 24. Half of those surveyed in that age group said they were concerned "real men are increasingly being marginalized in society."
Findings that act like a red flag
While the findings are surprising, they can also serve as a red flag and highlight where cracks in attitudes exist, and how social media is contributing to them.
