This study examined the intersection of masculinity norms and subjective well-being among male adult Catholics in the Central Deanery of the Nairobi Archdiocese. The objective of the study was to examine the influence of masculinity norms on the subjective well-being of male adult Catholics. Guided by Social Constructionist and Gender Role Theories, the research employed a mixedmethods convergent parallel design, targeting 1,055 male adults with a sample of 282. Stratified random sampling was used for quantitative data, while qualitative participants were purposively selected. Data collection involved structured Likert-scale questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, with statistical methods including correlation, regression, and ANOVA, alongside thematic analysis for qualitative data. Findings revealed a weak but significant correlation (r = 0.166, p < 0.01) between Positive and Negative Affect, suggesting emotional volatility. Norms like Self-Reliance and Emotional Control slightly reduced Positive Affect, whereas Power over Women (B = 1.214, p = 0.010) and Playboy (B = 0.534, p = 0.021) increased it. The regression model for Positive Affect was statistically significant. No masculinity norm significantly predicted Negative Affect. Positive affect and masculinity norms had a negative correlation. Inter-correlations among masculinity subscales pointed to a cohesive masculinity script.
Masculinity norms, Subjective well-being, Male adults, Central Deanery, Archdiocese of Nairobi
Nyajer, A.O., Ndungu, E.M., & Njeru, M. (2025). Masculinity norms and subjective well-being among male adult Catholics of Central Deanery, Archdiocese of Nairobi. Journal of Africana Articles, 3(25), 1-26. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16919516
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