“Bamboccioni” and “Mammoni”? A Familistic Interpretation of Italian Men’s Unhealthy Behaviours

Abstract

This article, which is the second part of two linked papers, aims at exploring Italian men’s practices linked to the main risk factors for health, as well as the sociocultural circumstances which potentially can affect them. Drawing on secondary data analysis, it shows that men tend to adopt a range of behaviors which increase risks to their health more than women. This cannot be explained by men’s natural biologically charged tendencies, considering that the gender gap in health-related behaviors is much higher in Italy than elsewhere in Europe. A direct and indirect connection between “familistic” norms and the health-related habits of men and women is hypothesized and recommendations for policy-makers are provided regarding the health of men and women in the current and prospective welfare scenario.