Masculine Attributes, Risk Perception and Risk Behaviour in Rural Settings in India

Shiva Nand Chauhan, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)

The paper aims to explore constructs of masculinity among married men in rural settings in India and to examine the link of masculinity with risk perception and risk behavior. The study was conducted among 402 currently married couples in the rural areas of Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh in India in 2012. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used for data collection. Bi-variate and multivariate techniques were used for analysis. The study finds six major constructs such as being responsible towards his family, being breadwinner, etc., among married men to develop masculine attitudes. The study did not find any link of masculinity with risk perception and risk behavior. Caste and alcohol use are significant predictors to promote attitude towards risk perception. Age and alcohol use are major determinants to affect risky sexual behavior among married men in rural settings in India.