Cult of 'tough masculinity' directly linked to support for wars - scientists

The new scandal surrounding Ilon Musk's father, Errol Musk, accused of child abuse (charges he denies), has once again reminded us how destructive the legacy of such perceptions can be.

A study by Alexander Jendell (FGZ Leipzig) and David Herbert (University of Bergen), published in the journal Politics & Governance, focuses on these very themes.

The researchers analysed data from over a thousand UK respondents and found that rigid stereotypes of masculinity were a major factor in support for military action.

Respondents who believed that men should defend their families by force or fight for honour were significantly more likely to support wars. This factor was stronger than political views or ideological orientation.

In addition, the study found: authoritarianism, radical beliefs and especially sadistic personality traits (a desire to humiliate or torment others) also significantly increased the likelihood of justifying violence and armed conflict.

"Wars cannot be explained by strategic decisions alone. They are based on deep psychological structures - and above all on notions of masculinity - that magnify violence," Yendell emphasises.

The authors note that those who were abused or maltreated as children are more likely to develop rigid and authoritarian thinking patterns. This later manifests itself in reduced criticality towards wars and justification of violence.

Thus, violence in the family and society reproduces a "vicious circle", forming generations of people for whom aggression and force become the norm of behaviour.

Researchers warn: it is a mistake to explain wars only by the actions of individual leaders. What is crucial is that broad segments of society share the perception that violence is acceptable. It is collective attitudes and expectations that form the ground on which wars become possible.