Masculinidades inerentes à política brasileira de saúde do homem

The present article problematizes the incorporation of masculinities as a dimension to propel management strategies within the Brazilian National Policy of Comprehensive Men's Health Care (PNAISH). A close reading of masculinities as perceived through their intersectional character may contribute to improving the present context of review of this policy, especially considering that sociocultural characteristics that are essentially Brazilian, such as social inequality and racism, are directly associated with the high morbidity and mortality rates affecting black, young, and poor men as a result of urban violence. It becomes clear that the discourses that view men as subjects that seek health care services only in the presence of worsening symptoms do not recognize the role of social markers of difference, such as social class and race, in producing health inequities. Intersectionality provides a view of health care access as dependent on the territory where men move and on the (social, political) means that influence the recognition of men as rightful subjects. Given that certain masculinities are invisible within the arena of public health care policies, a deeper reading regarding masculinity and health is proposed from a post-structuralist perspective, as a means of thinking and doing men's health. Finally, the article also describes aspects that are essential for the review of the guidelines and policies aimed at this population.