The Kleenex® For Men Crying Game Report
A study of men and crying — prepared by Kate Fox
Introduction
We are constantly being told that men are becoming more emotionally open, that the old taboos on men crying have been eroded, and it is now perfectly normal and acceptable for a man to be seen shedding tears. World leaders, pop idols and sporting heroes are happy to be filmed and photographed with tears in their eyes — and they are applauded for their uninhibited expression of emotion. In the currently fashionable therapy-speak, men crying is 'healthy', a sign that they are 'in touch with their feelings', 'emotionally intelligent', 'not afraid to show their vulnerability', 'willing to share', 'in touch with their Inner Child' and so on. In our new caring, sharing, compassionate, post-Diana world, crying is officially Good For You — therapeutic, cathartic, de-toxing, stress-busting — and men should be encouraged to cry.
But how much has really changed? Are men more emotionally expressive? Is it socially acceptable for men to be seen crying? How much do men cry? What makes them cry? How do they cry? Whose shoulders do they cry on? Does crying make them feel better? What did their fathers teach them about crying? What messages are they giving their sons? How do they really feel about the new crying etiquette? How do women really feel about male tears? What are the real differences between male and female crying? Are they due to nature or nurture?
Kleenex® for Men commissioned the Social Issues Research Centre (SIRC) to find out. The SIRC research involved a review of the existing scientific literature on crying, as well as focus groups, interviews and a national YouGov survey of 2000 people. The findings may surprise you...
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