Male Friendships and Social Connections: Privileges and Pitfalls

This chapter explores the underexamined relationship between masculinity and social disconnection, theorizing social connection as a process shaped by masculine norms, active agency and resulting feelings of (in)sufficient connection. Drawing on multiple waves of the Australian Social Attitudes Survey, it analyses over 50 measures of social norms, networks, practices and feelings among Australian men and women. Findings reveal that men are more socially disconnected than women, particularly in intimate connections and emotional support. While some men are adopting more inclusive masculine practices – such as increased kindness and engaging with distant connections – traditional hegemonic norms persist. Men often prioritize instrumental friendships, rely on female partners for emotional support, and seek fun or practical advice rather than deeper connections. The nuclear family remains central to male friendships; men are less likely to form diverse networks or assist others emotionally beyond their partner. These findings highlight structural barriers to male social connection and suggest policy interventions such as teaching boys and men emotional expression skills, fostering broader intimate networks beyond the nuclear family, and supporting single men or fathers to avoid toxic online spaces.