Science confirms sexist men are threatened by women

Men who hold outdated sexist views are less attractive to women than those who believe in equality, new research has revealed. Photo / 123RF

As much as they might deny it, sexist men really do feel threatened women.

At least that according to new research by Israeli scientists who say patriarchal men often have problems forming a loving relationship.

This is because they constantly feel the need to defend their manhood, have anxiety issues and find it difficult to trust females, reports Daily Mail.

The study was conducted by the Tel Aviv University in Israel.

Researchers surveyed 108 heterosexual Israeli men for the study, which showed that those who held patriarchal views were often those that felt the most anxious.

Not only were they less comfortable in their own skin, but men who sexually objectify women were also more likely to struggle to feel attracted to women they love.

Social psychologist Orly Bareket said: "These men may have difficulties feeling attracted to the women they love, or loving the women to whom they are sexually attracted, leading to chronic dissatisfaction in their romantic relationships."

According to the research, some men categorise women into one of two groups – either they are chaste, nurturing and good, or they are promiscuous, manipulative, and out to seduce them.

This polarising viewpoint is known as the "Madonna-Whore" dichotomy and is grounded in the desire to reinforce male dominance.

Researchers found those who held this viewpoint were more likely to sexually objectify women and express double-standards that allowed men more sexual freedom and initiative than women.

These men were also likely to display benevolent sexism – for example, by trying to take care of women – towards those who embrace traditional feminine roles.

These findings support a connection that dates back to the time of Sigmund Freud, which indicates that some men find sexual pleasure and love for a woman to be incompatible.

Bareket believes clinicians and couple therapists should explore how the "Madonna-Whore" dichotomy plays a role in their male and female patients.