The COVID-19 pandemic has altered numerous elements of social, political, and economic life. Mask wearing is arguably an essential component of the new normal until substantial progress is made on a vaccine. However, though evidence suggests the practice is a positive for public health and limiting the transmission of COVID-19, there is variation in attitudes and practices on the acceptance of mask wearing. Specifically, it appears there is a sex-based divide in mask wearing, with men more likely to resist wearing masks. Utilizing an original survey, we test the correlation between masculinity and mask wearing. We find that identification with norms of masculinity have a significant influence on affective responses toward mask wearing.
Toxic Mask-ulinity: The link between masculine toughness and affective reactions to mask wearing in the COVID-19 era