S2, Ep5: The Meaning of Equal Partners.

What does true gender equality in the home really look like—and how does it impact men's mental health?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men Kate Mangino, gender expert and author of Equal Partners, discusses the crucial link between domestic roles and men's health.

We explore how traditional expectations - like being the breadwinner, the problem-solver, or the “strong, silent type” - can silently chip away at men’s emotional resilience, leading to burnout, isolation, and even depression. Kate shares stories from her research with men across the world who have embraced equal partnership in their relationships—not just to support their partners, but because it’s better for their own health and happiness.

From the quiet pressures of being the ‘strong one’ in the house to the emotional toll of feeling like a ‘second-class parent’, this episode is a vital piece of the puzzle in advancing mental health awareness and creating more balanced, fulfilling lives for men and their families.

Hear more from Kate:

Website: https://www.katemangino.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katemangino/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manginokate22/

 

Timestamps:

07:10: Defining Gender Equality in the Household 10:14: The Importance of Communication in Partnerships 13:07: The Inspiration Behind 'Equal Partners' 15:55: Challenging Misconceptions About Gender Roles 17:32: The Impact of Gender Equality on Mental Health 25:28: The Perception of Fathers and Their Roles 27:24: The Need for Support Networks for Men 30:01: Gatekeeping in Parenting 32:24: Shaping Gender Equality in the Household 34:38: Challenging Traditional Gender Roles 37:50: The Impact of Gender Equality on Mental Health 41:12: The Importance of Emotional Openness 43:07: Concluding Thoughts on Gender Equality and Self-Care