Electric vehicles (EVs) are often deemed the future of transport, with titans like Ford and Tesla racing to make them.
But a new study reveals that ‘more macho’ men may not see this the same way, in the bizarre belief that EVs will harm their image.
Dr Michael Parent, a researcher at the University of Texas at Austin (UT), claims that men who prioritise acting ‘like a real man’ are more likely to frown upon electric-powered cars.
High-performance gasoline vehicles are instead preferred as a marker of masculinity, he says, raising an alarming and unexpected uncertainty for efforts against climate change.
‘That is related to a broad set of negative behaviours including sexism, homophobia, aggression, and others.’
As part of his research, Dr Parent examined the concept of ‘masculine contingency’ among 400 men living in the US.
Masculine contingency refers to the degree to which a person bases their self-worth on cultural standards of masculinity including toughness, status and anti-femininity.
As part of his research, Dr Parent examined the concept of ‘masculine contingency’ among 400 men living in the US.
Masculine contingency refers to the degree to which a person bases their self-worth on cultural standards of masculinity including toughness, status and anti-femininity.
These perceptions can be real or imagined, with all participants asked to agree or disagree with a series of statements including ‘I can’t respect myself if I don’t live up to what it means to be a ‘real man’.’