Masculinidad tradicional en Ecuador: relación con factores sociodemográficos, sexismo e ideología de género

In Latin America, traditional cultural models for men persist, regardless of the conse-quences they entail; it is important to study which variables are associated with this traditional masculinity, to guide specific interventions on the subject. The objective of the research was to explore the possible relationships between adherence to traditional masculinity and sociodemographic factors, sexism and gender ideology. A total of 1044 Ecuadorian men between the ages of 18 and 35 participated in this exploratory study; they completed four instruments: a sociodemographic data sheet, the men box scale, the gender ideology scale, and the ambivalent sexism inventory. Depending on the objective, statistical analyzes were performed in terms of percentages, comparisons of groups and means, and correlations. The results show the existence of traditional masculine values ​in Ecuadorian society and social pressure to adhere to them, although the participants say they resist. The standards with the highest adherence are: to be strong, physically attractive and to control the partner. Regarding sociodemographic factors, lower family income, conservative religious affiliations and heterosexual orientation are related to traditional masculinity. In addition, an association is found between traditional masculinity and sexism and gender ideologies polarized towards the traditional. This finding shows that, beyond individual factors, culture promotes negative attitudes like sexism and gender role polarization. It is concluded that it is important to intervene by deconstructing traditional masculinity in societies that enact it.