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Masculinity and farming-related accidents

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Abstract

Survey data collected from 450 male farmers in Canada revealed that three variables — conservative farming, willingness to risk life and limb to make a profit, and safe equipment operation — directly predicted the rate of serious farming-related accidents. Three dimensions of masculinity — suppression of emotions, “men in charge,” and recklessness — had strong indirect effects. Masculine recklessness tended to increase profit-oriented personal risk taking and to decrease the safe operation of farm equipment. Suppression of emotions also increased risk taking.

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This research was funded by a Heritage Trust Fund Grant from Alberta Workers' Health, Safety and Compensation.

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Harrell, W.A. Masculinity and farming-related accidents. Sex Roles 15, 467–478 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00288224

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00288224

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