‘I don’t even think about health’: The implications of masculinity constructions on the health of homeless men in Florianópolis - SC

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify the implications of constructions of masculinities on the social determination of health among homeless men. An urban ethnography was conducted between October 2018 and September 2019 with homeless men in the downtown area of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Data collection involved participant observation, with 73 days of field notes, 8 interviews, and 5 recordings of everyday conversations. Thematic analysis was performed to examine the material collected, exploring the experiences and perceptions of homeless men regarding the similarities and divergences in the construction of masculinities and health-disease processes. Three themes were identified and discussed: perception of health and care strategies; naturalization of violence and its impacts on physical; and relationship with health services. The context of street life produces vulnerabilities due to the precariousness of access to basic needs, influencing the manifestations and practices of masculinities. The accentuation of characteristics such as selfreliance, violence, and strength influenced the greater exposure to risk situations and resistance to healthcare.