Negotiating Masculinity, Class, and Health in a Rural Context

Abstract

This qualitative study explores how men use health to negotiate privilege across social identities. In-depth interviews were employed to examine how men conceptualized masculinity and class identity within the context of their rural community, as well as the impact of this conceptualization on men’s perceptions of health and healthcare-seeking behavior. In unpacking the local understanding of masculinity and class identity it was found that respondents utilized “defense othering” to position their lifestyle choices in relation to others within the community. The categories of “reliefer” and “non-reliefer” were employed by respondents to discuss both masculinity and class identity. Men used these categories as a reference to delineate a hegemonic masculinity within the community, and to explain their health beliefs and practices.