Thread by @MichaelGLFlood

Healthy masculinity? What qualities are part of a positive, healthy, ethical alternative to the forms of patriarchal masculinity that sustain gender inequalities and limit men’s and boys’ own lives? First, some background on masculinity… 1/16

‘Masculinity’ refers to the meanings given to be being male and the social organisation of boys’ and men’s lives and relations. So masculinity is part of identities, behaviours, interaction, peer cultures, media, and the formal and informal workings of institutions. 2/16

This definition of masculinity is open-ended. In any context, some versions of masculinity will be dominant – the most influential, given the most status. And these may be healthy or unhealthy, positive or negative. 3/16

It’s possible to imagine a context – a school, a community, a country – where the dominant version of masculity is a healthy one, based on norms of respect, equality, nurturance, and so on. But in most contexts that is not the case. 4/16

In many contexts, influential versions of masculinity are based on dominance over women, a disdain for anything feminine, and entitlement. Boys and men are under pressure to be strong, stoic, in control, dominant in relationships and households, competitive, and aggressive. 5/16

*This* version of masculinity contributes to the serious societal problem of gender inequality – of a systematic pattern of female disadvantage and male advantage or privilege. It is implicated in boys’ and men’s sexist and violent treatment of women and girls. 6/16

*This* version of masculinity also places limitations on men and boys themselves. It feeds into shallower relationships and poorer health. (But males and females are not equally disadvantaged by the gender order. Males are limited, but not oppressed, as men.) 7/16

What do we call that particular, all-too-common version of masculinity based in dominance over women, sexual entitlement, hostility to women, homophobia, aggression, rigid stoicism, and so on? Toxic? Patriarchal? Gender-inequitable? Sexist? ('Toxic': xyonline.net/content/toxic-…) 8/16

Whatever terms we use, it is clear that *some* forms of masculinity are a problem. They contribute to sexism, gender inequalities, and violence. And they limit men and boys themselves. 9/16

To change dominant formations of masculinity, we must: 1) Raise awareness of the harms of dominant masculinity; 2) Weaken its the cultural grip. 3) Promote healthy and ethical alternatives. (See here: xyonline.net/content/men-an…) 10/16

What qualities are part of a desirable, positive, healthy, ethical alternative to patriarchal masculinity? 1) Healthy masculinities must be gender-equitable. Based in equality, in respect, compassion, partnership not domination, in care for others, in non-violence. 11/16

2) Healthy masculinities must be healthy for men and boys themselves: based in self-care, empathy, purpose, and inner strength.
3) Healthy masculinities must be diverse. Able to accommodate and celebrate diverse, positive ways of being and acting among boys and men. 12/16

4) Healthy masculinities must be non-essentialist. We cannot put forward a vision of masculinity that suggests that desirable qualities are available only to men and boys, and not also to women and girls. 13/16

And part of our work must be to reduce boys’ and men’s investments in being a man, in male identity. To reduce men’s and boys’ rigid, defensive opposition to femininity, and the pressure men feel to prove themselves *as men*. 14/16

But why talk about healthy *masculinity* at all? We could promote feminist androgyny, combining virtues and desirable traits traditionally associated with women with those traditionally associated with men. We could promote ethical selfhood, rather than gendered ideals. 15/16

Yes, part of our work should be breaking down gender boundaries and hierarchies. But there is still a case for using notions of masculinity in our work with men and boys, at least as a stage or mid-point, to ease males’ moves away from stereotypical masculinity. 16/16