THREAD:
The parallels between dominance-based traditional masculinity (AKA “toxic” or Patriarchal masculinity or “the Man Box’) & traditional law firm culture, the internalized lawyer identity, & law firm lawyer’s resulting poor mental health & well-being.
A discussion.
/1
The parallels between dominance-based traditional masculinity (AKA “toxic” or Patriarchal masculinity or “the Man Box’) & traditional law firm culture, the internalized lawyer identity, & law firm lawyer’s resulting poor mental health & well-being.
A discussion.
/1
I have been a law firm lawyer for over two decades, and have worked in Big Law, boutique specialty firms, and medium sized law firms.
/2
/2
For the last 10 years or so, I’ve also been an Editor, Writer, and Director of Special Projects for @GoodMenProject.
During that time, I’ve had the opportunity to study and write about all aspects of dominance-based masculinity:
/3
During that time, I’ve had the opportunity to study and write about all aspects of dominance-based masculinity:
/3
https://twitter.com/michaelkasdan/status/1264922765536133121
The characteristics of “man box” masculinity are narrowly proscribed.
Under man box rules, masculinity must be performed a certain way. That way includes: being strong/tough/unemotional, valuing decisiveness over collaboration, liking sports & beer, always getting the girl.
/4
Under man box rules, masculinity must be performed a certain way. That way includes: being strong/tough/unemotional, valuing decisiveness over collaboration, liking sports & beer, always getting the girl.
/4
But these traditional norms - which are reinforced by pop culture and socialization -excludes many men. Some men aren’t physically strong & are more cerebral. Some don’t like sports. Or beer. Or girls. Some prefer to collaborate rather than being fiercely independent loners.
/5
/5
Men who fall outside the box are often punished or shamed. They are called. “sissy,” “pussy,” “loser,” “homo,” or “girl.”
This reinforces sexism and misogyny. (When “you throw like a girl” is hurled as an insult, you learn that girls are worthless or at least worth less.)
/6
This reinforces sexism and misogyny. (When “you throw like a girl” is hurled as an insult, you learn that girls are worthless or at least worth less.)
/6
Enforced man box rules also hurt men.
Instead of embracing their differences, which include super power skills like collaboration, emotional intelligence, connection, and diversity of POVs, those valuable traits are more often beaten out of men.
/7
Instead of embracing their differences, which include super power skills like collaboration, emotional intelligence, connection, and diversity of POVs, those valuable traits are more often beaten out of men.
/7
It strikes me that there is is a parallel between dominance based masculinity and traditional Big Law law firm culture.
(This shouldn’t be a big surprise, since most Big Law law firms were created by traditional “old school” white men.)
/8
(This shouldn’t be a big surprise, since most Big Law law firms were created by traditional “old school” white men.)
/8
What are the traits that are emphasized as part of traditional Big Law culture?
Being a warrior, winning at all costs, always knowing the answer, decisiveness, always picking job over life/family, the badge of being overworked and of busyness.
The memes tell the story:
/9
Being a warrior, winning at all costs, always knowing the answer, decisiveness, always picking job over life/family, the badge of being overworked and of busyness.
The memes tell the story:
/9
Just as dominance based masculinity hurts women and men, dominance based law firm culture ends up hurting both clients and lawyers.
And the culture -unless interrupted- ensures the model continues. It becomes law firm lawyers’ forced identity.
And it is self enforcing.
/10
And the culture -unless interrupted- ensures the model continues. It becomes law firm lawyers’ forced identity.
And it is self enforcing.
/10
But there is another way:
Healthier.
More inclusive.
Better for law firms, better for lawyers, and better for clients.
That’s why I’m here. That’s the world I want to help co-create.
/11
Healthier.
More inclusive.
Better for law firms, better for lawyers, and better for clients.
That’s why I’m here. That’s the world I want to help co-create.
/11
Come join me by following along here @law_while_human or on Instagram @zen.mayhem or come find me on LinkedIn, Michael Kasdan.
Thanks for listening.
#lawindustry #mentalhealth #mentalhealthandwellness
#lawyeringwhilehuman #zenmayhem
/END
Thanks for listening.
#lawindustry #mentalhealth #mentalhealthandwellness
#lawyeringwhilehuman #zenmayhem
/END
. @threadreaderapp unroll pls!
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
