New study finds ‘macho’ countries aren’t happy places to live

31 Mar 2026 • 9:35 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • A new study has revealed that countries where men believe they must constantly prove their “manhood” tend to have lower happiness levels.
  • The research found that higher precarious manhood beliefs (PMB) correlated with lower economic output, reduced life expectancy, less social support, and heightened perceptions of corruption.
  • Lebanon, Iran, and Nigeria were identified as countries with high PMB and low happiness, contrasting with Nordic nations like Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, which showed low PMB and high happiness.
  • Researchers from Boston College analysed data from 59 countries, combining findings from the World Happiness Report with a global study on PMB and health risk behaviours.
  • The study suggests that cultural beliefs about masculinity worsen health disparities, reduce collective well-being, and increase national healthcare burdens by discouraging cooperation and emotional openness.

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