The Daily Observer London Desk: Reporter- John Furner
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.
A US-based study claims that cisgender men who want to seem like ‘real men’ dislike EVs (stock image)
‘Although the issue could be addressed through advertising, it would probably be better for education to address healthy gender role norms to reduce precarious masculinity in general.
‘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.
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”.’
Answers were then compared with car purchasing habits and attitudes, examining whether gas/diesel, hybrid or electric was preferred.
Almost 40 per cent of men ranked EVs as the worst option, with many of these participants also holding the most traditional ‘masculine’ views.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are often deemed the future of transport, with titans like Ford and Tesla (pictured) racing to make them
‘Consumer good purchase decisions are made, to a degree, with consideration toward how those purchases reflect personal identities,’ Dr Parent wrote.
‘The prior literature has suggested that, overall, EVs may be appealing to men in terms of their fast acceleration and appeal as a technological innovation.
‘However, among men, endorsement of masculinity contingency was linked to lowered preference for EVs.’
These startling results come as countless car giants are racing to develop new game-changing EVs amid heightened environmental concern against typical fuel engines.
New movements, like London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), also encourage drivers to go electric, with a £12.50 daily charge for vehicles that don’t meet emission standards.
Psychologist Louise Goddard-Crawley claims the results even have roots in human evolution and long-established ideas of dominance.
‘Traditional vehicles, with their loud engines and powerful performance, could symbolise these traits, making them more appealing to some individuals who value traditional masculinity.
‘Electric cars, being quieter and perhaps perceived as less powerful, may be seen as deviating from these evolutionary ideals, leading to resistance among those who strongly identify with traditional gender norms.’
Despite his findings, Dr Parent acknowledges that his study is limited, suggesting there is no data to show a direct causal link between masculinity and attitudes towards EVs.
Car preferences were also based on hypotheticals and not real purchase decisions, adding to the ambiguity of results.
‘It is likely that many men are susceptible to masculinity threats without being consciously aware of it and as such experimental research in the precarious masculinity paradigm on the topic of consumer research would be valuable,’ he wrote.
‘In sum, this study demonstrates a link between masculinity contingency and EV-related attitudes and purchase intentions, contributing to work on masculinities and consumer choices.’
READ MORE: Toxic masculinity: Macho men who conform to traditional male roles are ‘more likely to struggle and be isolated’ in old age
Macho men who conform to male gender roles are more likely to struggle and be isolated in old age, researchers have warned.
Toxic masculinity – an attitude that incorporates a belief in ‘real men’ – impacts men’s social relationships, health, well-being and overall happiness, the study found.
A sociologist at Michigan State University said that when issues arise, like health or financial problems, men are less likely to share them with friends of family.
This may have a damaging impact on their mental health in later life, especially as they get older and retire, becoming more isolated.
The belief that ‘real men’ must be strong, tough and independent may be a detriment to their social needs later in life
