Men and Gender Equality

Abstract

In this article, some of the most important findings of the European research project The Role of Men in Gender Equality (2011-2012) are discussed. This project was the first systematic research study of all European Union member states and associated European Free Trade Association states regarding men and gender equality in the fields of education and paid labor, the involvement of men in care and domestic work responsibilities, men's health, gender-based violence, and men's participation in gender equality policy. The main objective of the study was to gain better knowledge on the role and positioning of men concerning gender equality. A number of themes were emphasized. First, as the situation of men and women in societies is relational,

New masculinities in universities? Discourses, ambivalence and potential change

“…New masculinities offer young male academics not only opportunities to embrace care responsibilities, but their lives are rendered notably complex. They challenge gender stereotypes and hierarchies at home, but to do so in the workplace seems to be much more difficult (Scambor et al, ).…”

“…This is problematic for women (Katila & Meriläinen, , ; Morley, ), but it is arguably so for many if not most men, too (Tienari & Taylor, ). For men the challenge is a particular one because paid work and ‘breadwinning’ continue to be central sources of their identity and status in society (Magnussen, ; Scambor et al, ). In conditions of changing universities and academic work, then, the question of men and masculinities becomes timely and relevant.…”

“…Caring masculinities offer an alternative model based on caregiving roles for men (Scambor et al, ). While care is traditionally associated with femininity (Scambor et al, , p. 560), men in many societies in the Global North are now expected to be more involved in caregiving (Hunter et al, ).…”

“…Caring masculinities offer an alternative model based on caregiving roles for men (Scambor et al, ). While care is traditionally associated with femininity (Scambor et al, , p. 560), men in many societies in the Global North are now expected to be more involved in caregiving (Hunter et al, ). In anglophone research, caring masculinities are presented as new forms of masculinity arising from, for example, increase in fathers as primary caregivers (Hunter et al, ).…”

A comprehensive measure of attitudes and behaviour: Development of the Support for Gender Equality among Men Scale

“…The literature suggests that there are at least four ways in which men can publicly support gender equality: Men might engage in political activism (Iyer & Ryan, 2009;Stewart, 2016;Subašić et al, 2008;White, 2006), speak up when witnessing gender inequality (Cihangir et al, 2014;Czopp & Monteith, 2003;Czopp, Monteith, & Mark, 2006;Drury & Kaiser, 2014;Eliezer & Major, 2011;Rasinski & Czopp, 2010;Stangor et al, 2003), show a general interest in discourse on gender equality (Houvouras & Carter, 2008;Kaufman & Kimmel, 2011;Lemaster, Strough, Stoiko, & DiDonato, 2015), and foster an inclusive workplace culture (Armstrong, 2016;Liff & Cameron, 1997). Within the domestic sphere, men's support might include treating one's partner respectfully (Frei & Shaver, 2002;Hendrick & Hendrick, 2006;Hirsch, 2003;Vannoy, 1996), an equal division of household chores (Deutsch, 1999;Dotti Sani, 2014;Kosakowska-Berezecka et al, 2016;Lyness & Brumit Kropf, 2005), and equal involvement in parenting and childcare (Deutsch, 1999;Gärtner, 2007;Haas, 2003;Kato-Wallace et al, 2014;Scambor et al, 2014). While these behaviours are certainly important with regard to female romantic partners they can further be applied to female relatives, friends, or housemates.…”