“We need to rebrand vulnerability and emotion. A vulnerable man is not some weird anomaly. He is open to being hurt, but also open to love.” Turner Prize-winning artist Sir Grayson Perry’s thoughts on contemporary masculinity may resonate with many readers – but they stand in sharp contrast to a culture where more “traditional” male qualities (dominance, stoicism and self-reliance) are staging a concerning comeback, aided by online voices such as Andrew Tate and far-right politicians. While such ideas may seem harmless to some, many professionals argue that such traits act as a barrier to emotional wellbeing. Social pressure to conform to such archetypes can have devastating consequences, with an unwillingness to open up about struggles contributing to poor mental health – and worse.

See Full Page