Experiencing a new pandemic: mental imprint, gender- related social perspectives and... men

ARTICLE

During the history of human civilization, and at least during the periods when the discovery of writing permitted the preservation of historical data, a large number of pandemics due to new viruses and diseases have been recorded. Perhaps, the more prominent of all is the one which came down in history and the collective memory of our fellow citizens as “the Spanish flu”, due to various and different reasons and causes, either because of geographical or temporal proximity, or because of the large number of victims, or even because of the economic disaster that followed.

In each of the above cases, the assessment of the pandemic crisis and its extent was based on two main figures: the number of people infected and the number of deaths. Another further feature was subsequently added: the financial cost of the pandemic. Besides, recent updates provided by the people in charge began by the first two elements. Afterwards, in the next phase, as it is commonly referred to, the burden gradually shifted to the economic factor; to the economic impact of the crisis. This was followed by successive announcements of measures in order to strengthen the "weak" economy.

Thus, the pandemic crises have been recorded in our individual and collective unconscious as health crises with an economic impact. But is that really the case?

Health - Mental health and human rights
Let's start from the basics: in an organized state, the health of each member of the community in general and, in particular, his/her mental health (including: prevention and health promotion, counselling and psychological support, treatment, pharmaceutical benefits) is- or should be- a fundamental right. At the same time, it is a constituent element of equality and democracy, without which social structure as well as society’s harmonious balance are put at a risk. To what extent is this taken into consideration every time we try to deal with, and then assess crises of such magnitude?

Was it necessary to go through such a widespread and threatening pandemic in order to bring forward the obvious, namely the obligation of an organized state to take care of its citizens? It appears so… But let's go one step further…

The "psycho-coronavirus": a universal mental pandemic
All this time, while discussing and exchanging ideas and views with our fellow citizens, we received another point of view of what we are going through. We have realized- in a very personal/ experiential way - that the pandemic had very rapidly and decisively affected our mental health and functionality. And in fact, this does not apply partially as far as the population is concerned- as in the case of coronavirus- but wholly, in a milder or more intense way. In other words, it seems that many of us will get the virus on a biosomatic level, some will show the associated symptoms, and a small percentage will lose the battle of life. But from a psychological point of view, the pandemic has already affected the entire population. Basic psychological functions, which are based on the smooth flow of fulfilling basic psychological needs, have shown from a very early stage serious dysfunctions.

Let us reflect on some indicative needs (which have been described as universal by Marshall Rosenberg, and pointed out by Abraham Maslow in the famous hierarchy of needs) that have already been suspended or hindered: emotional security, freedom-autonomy, sociability, physical contact, closeness-touch, communication, stability, laughter and entertainment, sexual expression, protection from a life or health threat, and even the fundamental need to pay tribute to the dead.

Perhaps now, it is clearer and more explicable why mental health - a branch of general health - has suddenly gained such interest and the action towards the provision of psychological support services to citizens has become so extensive. Was it necessary to go through such an extensively threatening pandemic to realize it?

The "gendered -coronavirus": a universally social pandemic
What can a social, economic and psychological pandemic mean and describe at a next level, which now focuses on the social aspect? Let us now examine the data, rather than our own description:

The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN WOMEN) in a recent publication entitled "The Shadow Pandemic: Violence Against Women and Girls and COVID-19 “states that an even greater wave of victims of gender-based violence is expected to be added to the 249 million women and girls who have been sexually and/ or physically abused the last 12 months. Evidence that is constantly coming into view - from the moment the pandemic broke out- shows a steady sharpening of cases of violence against women and girls, especially in the family context. To cite just some examples: In France, since the day of home confinement (March 17th), there has been a 30% increase in reports of domestic violence. In Argentina, the corresponding emergency calls have increased by 25% since March 20th (lockdown). In Cyprus and Singapore helplines have increased by 30% and 33% respectively. Finally, an increase in cases of domestic violence and urgent requests for shelter in protected areas (in the midst of the pandemic) are also reported in Canada, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN WOMEN) in a recent publication entitled "The Shadow Pandemic: Violence Against Women and Girls and COVID-19 “states that an even greater wave of victims of gender-based violence is expected to be added to the 249 million women and girls who have been sexually and/ or physically abused the last 12 months. Evidence that is constantly coming into view - from the moment the pandemic broke out- shows a steady sharpening of cases of violence against women and girls, especially in the family context. To cite just some examples: In France, since the day of home confinement (March 17th), there has been a 30% increase in reports of domestic violence. In Argentina, the corresponding emergency calls have increased by 25% since March 20th (lockdown). In Cyprus and Singapore helplines have increased by 30% and 33% respectively. Finally, an increase in cases of domestic violence and urgent requests for shelter in protected areas (in the midst of the pandemic) are also reported in Canada, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States.

In Greece, the General Secretariat for Family Policy and Gender Equality has also confirmed - through corresponding data - the same gender-based social reality: In the days of quarantine and compulsory confinement at home, all data extracted from the network of support structures for women- victims of violence, and from the SOS telephone line, 15900, show that a significant increase in cases similar to other states has been noted. We shall state just one out of all data: that in the quarantine month these incidents increased almost four times compared to the immediately preceding one.

What could this obligatory stay at home, in combination with the- imposed by the measures- parallel obligation of remote work (teleworking) “reveal”? Is the demand for the confirmation one of the most powerful gender stereotypes for women and femininity in general rising sharply now, reaching its zenith? Let us recall (perhaps?) very briefly "Who is the woman" for patriarchally structured gender-based social norms, and what its dominant and imperceptibly imposed role is. Today more than ever before, the "structurally vulnerable"- for the outside world- female is called upon to return to domestic peace and tranquillity, and there, as a "by nature" unique multi-tool of care, will be able to carry out the gentle and romantic duties that “nature” imposes. Thus, as a tender and sensitive creature of a different inwardness and quality, the woman will be exalted to "wife-mother-care”. Based on the above, does it sound strange that the COVID-19 pandemic also tends to become a gender social bomb?

Male population and its psychosocial needs: myths with princes and princesses or an absolute necessity?
Let us now take a look at the man, the human being who was given the male gender at birth; who not only maintained but also further developed it, by adapting it to the imposed psychosocial norms of his time. What is a man: myths and stereotypes of omnipotence, domination, heroism; a "dad"; a "husband"; a "lover"; a "leader"; an omnipotent being (even virus-proof!?) male model-prototype. The inherently or divinely (depending on each person’s natural or metaphysical beliefs) gifted creature with supernatural skills and powers, who reigns supreme... and protects women and children (sic).

This characteristic and highly sexist and imaginative illusion that overestimates masculinity and underestimates anything feminine constitutes a permanent distortion; special attention should be given here in order to decode and understand what is happening nowadays: psychological, relational, social and political distortion, which, in times of crisis, is being sharply aggravated and collapses even more deafeningly! But before that, it had managed to cause serious damage to the individual, relation, family or society: mounting tensions, uncontrollable anger and indiscriminate conflict, aggression, abusive behaviour, partner-relationship violence, domestic violence and - in extreme cases – femicide. All data presented in recent days, in all countries where the health crisis is further intensified, confirm the above situation.

What exactly is happening now, in this context of the inevitable crisis? It is as if the threadbare nature of this (gendered) king- protector- hero is revealed: his omnipotence-hegemony is questioned; his helplessness (human and inevitable) is revealed; his myth collapses; his disguise is proved false (his gendered social role).Thus, he becomes a creature who- in the face of the terror of his imminent collapse- is driven (sometimes unconsciously) to accentuate the exercise of his power, and resorts to the exploitation of his deadly quiver, in a relentless strike back. This irrational, unscientific and ultimately anti-democratic "male chauvinism" is getting tougher, darker and more deadly. Is it necessary to go through such an extensively threatening pandemic to realize this as well? Maybe, it is...

Men and the right to psychological support: two good practices in the days of COVID-19
At this point, let us pose several specific questions: are we (as society or families) in need of alternative versions of this masculinity in our relationships- especially in this crisis situation? Do we have the ability to intervene in men and in masculinities in general, in order to support an internal reflection on the issues of male identities?; to activate, inspire and support processes -personal and social- of transmitting hegemonic-dominant manifestations of masculinity towards the formation of the young?; to facilitate the investigation and development of healthy, caring forms of masculinity?

“Men-Engage Alliance” is a global network of people, groups and organizations that aim to involve men and boys in the fight for gender equality and justice. The Gender Alliance Initiative participates in Men-Engage Europe, the corresponding European network with an active presence in 27 European countries.

A recent initiative is also the creation of Survival Guide for Men Experiencing Pressure and Stress in the Age of COVID-19, which aims to inform and raise awareness within the general population and, in particular men and boys, and emphasize that "Violence is not the solution."The guide explains that feeling afraid, insecure, and constrained is completely normal and according to our human nature, especially now that we are living through this unprecedented experience of confinement. It also explains that it is normal for men (too) to feel concerned about their health. It includes suggestions and strategies for dealing with anxiety, as well as useful helplines for psychosocial support. This initiative belongs to the Swiss organization “Maenner.Ch”, which is also a member of the network “Men-Engage Europe”. Two Greek and one Cypriot organization collaborated for the interpretation- translation into Greek: the Gender Alliance, Women On Top and the Association for Handling Violence in the Family. Detailed information about the guide, as well as the translation into other languages, can be found here.

A second initiative of the Gender Alliance is the translation into Greek, and the transfer of the relevant know-how in Greek society - both to experts and especially to the citizens concerned - of another guide entitled: Six suggestions for men to prevent domestic violence. It is a short guide which aims at providing help to men, in order to strengthen their efforts towards a more effective management of their emotions and behaviours in times of heightened emotional tension just like the one we are going through now. The idea and creation of 6 steps belongs to Bill Pelz-Walsh and John Ungerleider (artistic director of Shai Dinnar), who have been coordinating men's awareness programs for domestic violence in Windham County, Vermont for the past 28 years. It is important to note that the 6 steps are aimed at people who have accepted the problem of gender and especially domestic violence and are looking for ways to prevent and deal with it by participating in special programs. That is why in its introduction (before the 6 steps) reference is made to the need of recognition of the harmfulness and decision/ desire to change. More information about this guide can be found here.

Conclusion
Taking responsibility for the promotion and distribution of the two guides above in Greece, we found ourselves in the middle of an unexpected response. Following the social media, we found that thousands of our fellow citizens saw, interacted and shared the two pamphlets with great interest and reflection on this dimension of the problem. Then, the messages we received from direct contact with our fellow humans were even more encouraging. Thus, what we confirmed is our initial view that in the times we live in, it is important to receive and provide assistance; that psychological support for dealing with our personal crises can - and should - be transformed into healthy and peaceful relationships; that acknowledging our vulnerability and asking for help is not a shame. And in this we are all equal...

We, as Gender Alliance, emphasize on each occasion that efforts for gender alliances, in the context of a new interdisciplinary and inclusive feminism, are empowering and creating conditions conducive to the development of awareness, empowerment, self-determination and freedom. And in this effort we- men, women and LGBTQ+ people- need to decisively and honestly work together. We should try to shake off stereotypes, myths and prejudices of centuries past. We should work together to change our conscience towards a direction of caring, allied and solidary forms of masculinity and femininity against (the patriarchally structured) hegemonic, sovereign and toxic versions and their manifestations.

Our effort is only in the beginning. But it is stronger and more hopeful than ever before...