The Human Code Project: Research

Local partners and MRSPAG have identified a need to better understand the dominant ideals of masculinity in Macedon Ranges.

The Human Code was a research project to better understand community attitudes in the Macedon Ranges to outdated masculine stereotypes and their effect on men’s mental health and related behaviours.

There is a growing body of evidence showing the link between pressures to conform to outdated masculine stereotypes and being at a higher risk of suicide and other harmful behaviours (such as drink driving and substance misuse. There is also a link with these stereotypes and perpetrators of family violence).

As a result, men who conform to traditional expressions of manhood are more likely to suffer harm to themselves, and do harm to others.

“My hope is that this project moves the community understanding of masculinity to be more like humanity, whereby we all keep an eye out for those needing assistance, we don’t walk past what we don’t accept and t is okay for any of us to ask for help.”
Ken Reither, Gisborne Men’s Shed Representative on the Project Working Group

Based on research findings, this project identified key activities that local partners and the community can focus their efforts on to prevent and reduce harmful behaviours over time.

Research findings

You can access a summary of findings from the research and the full report below.

The Human Code Community Resource, Oct 2021

The Human Code Full Report, Oct 2021

Media Release, June 2021

The Human Code Project: Action

Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health procured funding from VicHealth to implement some of the recommendations from The Human Code research (phase 2). The two initiatives were:

  1. Supporting parents and carers of adolescent boys to challenge harmful, outdated masculine stereotypes

    • The Tomorrow Man's six week program started with 147 parents/carers registered and approx 100 parents/carers attended the first session.

  2. Supporting mentors to challenge outdated, harmful masculine stereotypes and promote healthy, positive masculinity.

    • Mentoring Boys Community Training Program targeted male mentors who currently coach, teach, lead, work or interact regularly with a group of teenage boys.  Delivered over a 6 week period, the program featured some key tools, mindsets and strategies to help you more readily engage teenage boys.