Toronto: A global survey of 28,000 men has debunked many stereotypes about the male ideal of a `man's man', according to a Canadian-led study.

Masculinity is certainly not the male ideal of a `man's man' or maleness, says the study.

Nor is being a womanizer or a career seeker.

On the contrary, the male ideal of a ``man's man'' is someone who is honourable, responsible and committed to his partner, says the study.

According to it, most men want to be seen as good fathers and good husbands, not as studs chasing women for sex.

The study which covered eight countries, including the US, Brazil, Germany and Italy, found that for 33 per cent of men viewed being seen as`honourable' as their highest ideal of maleness.

Another 28 percent said being in control of one's life was their ideal of maleness.

A vast majority of them said the topmost male quality was putting love ahead of sex.

Just one percent rated a great sex life as their ideal.

Three percent plumped for career and financial success.

According to Canadian Michael Sand, who led the survey of 27, 839 men across many cultures and age groups in the eight countries, the new study has shattered may stereotypes about maleness.

``Men routinely said (during the survey) that being in good health, having a good family life, having a harmonious relationship with my wife or my partner, is way more important than a successful career, having a nice home, having a satisfying sex life,'' he was quoted as saying by a Canadian news agency.

Sand said,``Being seen as honourable - I think men are telling us that how my community views my integrity and my values system is important to me. They're also saying `I want to be seen as a good father, a successful partner, far more than I want to be seen as a stud'."

According to him, all these things ``point to the importance -- not in keeping with stereotypes -- of interpersonal relationships to men, as well as to women of course.''

Sand said the study debunks what beer commercials and Hollywood gossip sheets project men to - chasing babes, fleeing commitment, abandoning their kids, and having trouble staying sober.

``Just as we know all women are not Playboy bunnies, we know all men are not ravening sex fiends interested in the next conquest. These stereotypes -- I think we all know they're not real

``This is why it's so important to do research -- to challenge our assumptions,'' said the Canadian researcher. IANS