On Monday, the Praxis Center will publish a study titled "Being a Man as a Field of Tension: Norms and Narratives of Masculinity in Estonia," which states that rigid masculinity norms in Estonia continue to influence the choices of boys and men in education and careers, their fatherhood, close relationships, and how safely they can express emotions and seek help.
Masculinity is still often associated with strength, independence, self-control, and financial success, while care, vulnerability, and seeking help may take a back seat.
However, alongside traditional narratives of masculinity, new, more caring models are emerging. Some men not only aspire to such masculinity but are already living by it, valuing care, openness, and partnership. Old and new expectations do not exclude each other but often coexist, sometimes even within the same man.
"In Estonia, for many men, masculinity is a field of tension. On one hand, there are strong expectations to be independent, successful, and not show vulnerability, while on the other hand, they are increasingly seeking to be involved fathers, equal partners, and emotionally honest individuals. The public space needs more male images that do not confine men to narrow frameworks," said Maarja Tinn, head of programs at the Praxis Center.
The study combined qualitative (34 interviews) and quantitative (398 respondents) data, as well as conducted a media analysis.
In the Estonian public space, men are often portrayed either idealistically or problematically. There is particularly a lack of visibility for the so-called ordinary caring man and father. This, in turn, may reinforce the feeling that society still recognizes only a narrow and rigid model of masculinity. "Images matter. If in the public space a man appears either as an ideal or a problem, then the ordinary caring man simply remains invisible," said co-author of the study Kaarel Lott.
The report emphasizes that changes cannot happen only at the individual level and offers relevant recommendations. Political measures, educational practices, youth work, steps from employers, and public discussion are also needed to support the emotional literacy of boys and men, their willingness to seek help, caring fatherhood, and more diverse images of masculinity.
The previous report by the Praxis Center, "Alpha Males and Flowers," also pointed out that the gender attitudes of youth are largely shaped by stereotypes, as well as the media and internet environment.
The new study adds another aspect to this, showing how these norms and narratives continue to manifest in the everyday choices, relationships, and self-perception of boys and men.
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