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A study published in the scientific journal The Lancet has evidenced that men not only die earlier than women, but also do so due to a combination of biological, social, and cultural factors. This phenomenon, which has been largely ignored by the healthcare system, is directly linked to the structure of the patriarchal system and the way masculinity is constructed in modern societies. The research indicates that the 'toxic masculinity'—a concept that describes a series of behaviors and values that promote silence, resistance, and the denial of vulnerability—has been instrumental in justifying the neglect of health issues in men, particularly those related to stress, anxiety, depression, or cardiovascular diseases.
Early Death of Men: A Structural Problem
The data demonstrates that, on average, men have a shorter life expectancy than women in most countries around the world. According to the World Health Organization, in 2023, the life expectancy of men reached 72 years, compared to 76 years for women. This difference is not solely due to biological factors, such as genetic predisposition to cardiovascular diseases, but also to a series of social and cultural decisions that influence lifestyle and access to healthcare services.
Studies indicate that men tend to avoid seeking medical attention due to fear of being perceived as weak or inadequate. This attitude is fed by a culture that values strength, independence, and the ability to endure without showing weakness. In this context, the human body becomes an instrument of resistance, not of care. The lack of open communication about emotions, the rejection of help, and the normalization of prolonged stress-related work are factors that contribute to increased exposure to chronic illnesses and premature death.
Toxic Masculinity: A Scientific and Social Concept
The term 'toxic masculinity' has been used in mental and social health studies to describe a series of behaviors that, although promoted as traditional values, are harmful to physical and emotional health. These include excessive workloads, the negation of emotions, the pressure to be 'strong', and the rejection of expressing vulnerability. The World Health Organization and other international institutions have noted that this form of masculinity has been consolidated as a culturally entrenched practice that directly affects public health.
The study mentioned in the original summary does not provide specific data on the number of men who die from health-related issues that are ignored, but it does suggest that the neglect of men's health has been exploited by the 'machismofera'—a term used to describe social networks, male groups, and power structures that promote an idealized view of masculinity. This implies that instead of addressing the real needs of men, discussions that reinforce stereotypes such as hard work, authority, and resistance to change are prioritized.
The Patriarchy and Its Influence on Health
The patriarchy, as a system of power that historically has privileged men in decision-making, has deeply influenced how healthcare services are designed. Since the beginning of the 20th century, healthcare systems have been built with a predominantly female perspective, prioritizing maternal and child health care, while male health services have been underfunded or neglected. This gap has been maintained despite advances in gender equality, because health models have been based on women's experience, without including the specific behaviors, needs, and risks of men.
For example, in many countries, health centers do not offer specific programs for men facing anxiety, depression, or cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, the symptoms of these conditions are often interpreted as 'work-related problems' or 'lack of discipline,' rather than as diseases requiring medical attention. This interpretation is fueled by a culture that considers men should 'endure' and not seek help, leading to late diagnoses or even the non-detection of severe illnesses.
Socioeconomic Factors and Access to Health
The situation of men is also affected by socioeconomic factors. In many countries, men occupy jobs that require long hours, high pressure, and little flexibility. These jobs, such as engineering, medical, police, or factory workers, are associated with a higher risk of chronic diseases, such as hypertension, metabolic syndrome, or chronic stress. Moreover, many of these jobs do not offer adequate health benefits, such as psychological care or prevention programs.
The access to healthcare services also depends on the economic situation. In rural or low-income areas, men often have less access to medical services, especially in communities where there are no specialized health centers. This exacerbates the gender gap in access to medical care, which in turn increases mortality from preventable diseases.
Science and Society's Response
In response to this evidence, several international organizations have begun to promote policies that include men in health programs. The World Health Organization has launched initiatives to develop male health guidelines, addressing topics such as work-related stress, mental health, and cardiovascular care. These guidelines aim to break the invisibility of male health issues and foster a culture of preventive and comprehensive care.
Additionally, in the academic field, studies have been developed that analyze how toxic masculinity affects mental and physical health. These studies have shown that when men are exposed to environments that promote vulnerability, such as support groups or open dialogue spaces, they tend to show improvements in their emotional and physical health. This suggests that the transformation of masculinity is not just a matter of values, but practices that can be implemented in the healthcare system and in social institutions.
Implications for the Future of Public Health
The scientific evidence on patriarchy and male health has profound implications for the future of public health. If the health of men continues to be ignored, a gap will be perpetuated that affects not only life expectancy but also the overall quality of life. Healthcare systems must adapt to include men as a specific group with distinct needs and risks.
To achieve this change, a reconfiguration of medical models is required. This includes the training of healthcare professionals in masculinity, the creation of dialogue spaces between men and medical professionals, and the promotion of policies that foster emotional expression and personal care. Additionally, media and educational institutions must address masculinity critically, to prevent the perpetuation of stereotypes that harm men's health.
A Future Perspective: Male Health as a Priority
The future of public health depends on recognizing men as active participants in their own health, rather than as objects of an agenda that prioritizes strength and resilience. Science has shown that male health is not merely a complement to female health, but a fundamental axis in the construction of a more balanced and healthy society.
To achieve this, investments must be made in research that studies the specific conditions of men, in developing prevention programs that address their real needs, and in promoting a culture of health that values vulnerability, dialogue, and care. Only in this way can the cycle of early death, which has been fed by decades of ignorance, stereotypes, and patriarchal structures, be broken.