Body peace and positivity: tackling male body image pressures in the 21st century

The summer heat often prompts many men to take off their shirts, but for some, this isn’t as easy a decision. Male body image pressures have increased significantly this century, leading to a rise in discussions around body peace, a concept that refers to an individual’s right to be themselves in their own body, in their own way. It also includes refraining from commenting on others’ bodies unless explicitly asked.

Body positivity seeks to encourage a positive self-image. “Body image and self-esteem are strongly linked. Poor self-esteem is associated with various mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety,” says psychologist Elena Rosenqvist.

While concerns about appearance and weight are often viewed as predominantly female issues, body positivity for men, according to Rosenqvist, is a comparatively recent phenomenon. An example of this is Finnish artist Käärijä, who has expanded the male body image by performing on stage shirtless, not with a trained torso, but with an ordinary-looking belly. Many viewers found Käärijä’s performance at last year’s Eurovision Song Contest refreshing and encouraging for other men to embrace their bodies with pride.

Body peace also applies to men’s bodies. It includes the idea that one should not comment on others’ bodies. According to Rosenqvist, the criticism of women’s bodies involves more societal power dynamics than that of men’s bodies. However, the threshold for judging men’s bodies is lower. “I would say that criticizing women’s stomachs and appearance is generally considered more offensive than men’s. Criticizing men’s bodies and bellies is considered more socially acceptable, for example, when someone makes a joke about someone’s stomach. However, this is not acceptable, according to Rosenqvist. Body criticism causes discomfort and body dissatisfaction. “It is a human emotional experience and has nothing to do with gender,” she adds.

The increase in body dissatisfaction among men is often tied to social interactions, particularly negative feedback from sexual partners. Also, comparison to other men plays a significant role. According to research, male body dissatisfaction has increased significantly this century. “Men also tend to downplay their appearance concerns, which makes the researcher’s job more difficult,” Rosenqvist explains.

In conclusion, the concept of body peace and positivity is not just a women’s issue. Men, too, face societal pressures and judgments regarding their bodies, leading to body dissatisfaction and mental health issues. It’s essential to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment that encourages everyone to embrace their bodies with pride and positivity.