The Multidimensional Nature of Masculinity: Empathy and Resilience in Balochistan, Pakistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54938/ijemdss.2026.05.1.827Keywords:
Masculinity, Femininity, Empathy, Resilience, Gender-Role OrientationAbstract
Masculinity is often conceptualized as incompatible with emotional sensitivity, yet its relationships with empathy and resilience remain underexplored in collectivist contexts. This study examined the associations among masculinity, femininity, empathy, and resilience among adolescents and adults in Balochistan, Pakistan. Using a cross-sectional correlational design, 154 participants completed the Bem Sex Role Inventory, Brief Resilience Scale, and Empathy Assessment Scale. Pearson correlations indicated that masculinity was positively associated with empathy, r = .323, p < .001, and resilience, r = .172, p = .033. Femininity was positively associated with empathy, r = .507, p < .001, but was not significantly associated with resilience, r = .015, p = .856. Resilience was not significantly associated with empathy, r = .019, p = .819. These findings suggest that masculinity and femininity may relate differently to empathy and resilience in this sample. However, because the study was cross-sectional and correlational, the findings should be interpreted as associations rather than causal effects. The results support a culturally sensitive understanding of gender-role orientation and suggest that masculinity should not automatically be treated as incompatible with empathy or resilience.
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