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| Date Added to Site: 25th March 2009 | ||
| Short Summary | ||
| Title | Troublesome Masculinities: Masculinities in Trouble | |
| Author | Greig, A. | |
| Publication Date | January 2009 | |
| Publisher | Institute of Development Studies | |
| Volume | IDS Bulletin | |
| Series | 40: 1 | |
| Short Summary |
This article explores the notion of 'troublesome' masculinities that characterise much of the policy thinking on problems of young men and gender. It notes that the socialisation of young men and the relationship between gender norms and young men's gender identity have become the focus of policy development in an increasing number of countries. While recognising that much effective work is being done with men and boys to promote alternative 'gender-equitable masculinities', the article reminds us that it is never just about gender. Rather, other forms of inequality (based on class, 'race'/ethnicity, sexuality) interact with gender. So, for example, the growing concern in some societies about the poor educational performance of boys must be a concern with not only gender but also class and race - since boys' difficulties in schools are concentrated among those from social backgrounds marked by poverty, ethnic or racial inequality, or social disruption. Read more at... The article further notes that class oppression has in many ways been exacerbated by neoliberal economic policies (policies characterised by the removal of government intervention in economic matters, total freedom of movement for capital, goods and services, the privatisation of state-owned enterprises, and reductions in public expenditure on social services like health). These policies have an adverse impact on both women and men through the decimation of welfare states and the rise in economic insecurity and unemployment. Yet in focusing only on gender identity, masculinities work can distract attention from the shared class interest in common struggle that young women and men in communities suffering the effects of neoliberal economic policy have against the agents of such policy. In so doing, the opportunity to build solidarity between young women and men around gender equity within a broader social justice agenda can be lost. To view this document you may need a subscription. It may also be available from the British Library of Development Studies (BLDS), which offers a document delivery and inter-library loan service. See: http://blds.ids.ac.uk/docdel.html |
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| Summary Source | Adapted from the source. | |
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