Why have male voice community choirs become more popular in the UK and beyond in recent years? How are they playing with norms of masculinity? Why is it that choirs often struggle to recruit men? What impact can they have on men’s lives and wellbeing? How are they helping men to connect and find community? And can they help us to build gender equality? In our Christmas Special for 2024, we explore these issues and more with Dom Stichbury.Dom is a choir director, singer, songwriter, arranger, and group singing advocate. He’s the founder and artistic director of London-based groups Chaps Choir and Bellow Fellows, one half of vocal duo Ben and Dom (who do shows and run workshops around the UK), and a member of Oaken (a quartet of singers and choir leaders). He also performs with the Australian-based Spooky Men's Chorale.The episode features recordings of three Chaps Choir’s performances:‘Alilo’: https://soundcloud.com/chapschoir/sets/chaps-choir-live-union-chapel‘Now is time’: https://open.spotify.com/track/3eVsnZrmVwM0asAJOxwCub‘Drop of shanty’: https://open.spotify.com/track/0GB0HIzocneuONyhxehdIw?si=c0fb1d6bc2bd4344Find out more about Dom’s work:http://www.dominicstichbury.comhttp://www.chapschoir.comhttps://www.bellowfellows.comhttps://www.benanddom.comhttps://www.oakenharmony.comhttps://spookymen.comEpisode timeline:‘Alilo’ + Intro (00:00-02:27)The story of Chaps Choir and Bellow Fellows (02:27-04:32)The wider phenomena of male voice community choirs (04:32-06:01)International examples and subverting masculinity (06:01-07:24)Recruiting men (07:24-09:52)How the groups have shifted (09:52-11:54)The benefits of being part of a choir (11:54-16:25)Becoming more attuned with our bodies (16:25-18:00)Differences between mixed and men’s groups (18:00-20:04)Making groups inclusive (20:04-22:53)Encouraging people to sing together in settings like prisons (22:53-25:13)Why men are less likely to join choirs (25:13-29:00)Football chanting (29:00-31:14)Expressing emotion and vulnerability (31:14-35:52)‘Now is time’ (32:34-36:52)The potential for choirs to promote change (36:52-39:42)Which groups of men (don’t) take part (39:42-44:25)Bringing a diverse group together (44:25-46:15)Forging friendships and community (46:15-48:15)Singing during Covid-19 (48:15-50:39)How Dom started singing (50:39-53:40)‘Drop of shanty’ (53:17-55:05)Conclusion (54:32-01:01:25)More info:The Best Sing Since Sliced Bread: https://www.bestsingsince.co.ukHuutajat: https://www.huutajat.org/en/Research by Emily Falconer - ‘In harmony or out of tune: Affective and emotional geographies of all-male choirs in London, UK’: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emospa.2022.100925Singing in the Shed: https://www.singingintheshed.co.ukPhilip Read: https://www.philipread.net/Blokefest: https://www.blokefest.netManchoir: http://manchoir.co.uk‘True colours’, Manchoir: https://youtu.be/8tioUZghMQY‘Will you still love me tomorrow’, Bellow Fellows: https://youtu.be/qgRuVkmwXrIFind a choir: https://www.naturalvoice.net'Glorious Rabble', Extinction Rebellion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1Qmiyn68Es

What do we know about men’s friendships, and why have their social networks declined in the past 30 years? Why do so many find it hard to cultivate emotionally supportive friendships with each other? Why is it that men are more at risk of loneliness and social isolation than women? What are the impacts of this, both for men themselves and the women they are close to? And what can we do about it?In this episode, Dr Angelica Ferrara discusses these issues and more, drawing upon her recent article (with Dylan Vergara) ‘Theorizing mankeeping: The male friendship recession and women’s associated labour as a structural component of gender inequality’. The authors argue that fewer close relationships between men may cause some to rely heavily on relationships with women, especially romantic relationships, for emotional support. This may increase the emotion work women do to support men, through a phenomenon Angelica and Dylan label as ‘mankeeping’ - which can in turn contribute to gender inequity.Angelica is a postdoctoral scholar at Stanford University’s Clayman Institute for Gender Research, and a visiting fellow at the London School of Economics. She is trained as a developmental and social psychologist, and her work seeks to understand how gender ideologies shape behaviour and relationships. She’s currently working on a book called ‘Men Without Men’, about boys’ and men’s friendships throughout history and across cultures.Angelica’s profile: https://gender.stanford.edu/people/angelica-puzio-ferraraLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelica-puzio-ferrara-phd-3231b6211/Twitter: https://x.com/angeliferraraRead the paper: https://doi.org/10.1037/men0000494On the media coverage it has received: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/angelica-puzio-ferrara-phd-3231b6211_mankeeping-slides-activity-7265003061960445952-U6l7/Episode timelineIntroductionThe male friendship recession (02:32-04:39)Differences among men (04:39-07:36)Why friendships are so important (07:36-10:33)The impact of masculine norms on men’s friendships (10:33-14:03)Changes with ageing and retirement (14:03-19:18)Why men’s social settings sometimes don’t help (19:18-21:18)How mankeeping works (21:18-25:16)Its impacts on women (25:16-27:30)Why boys have just as much capacity for relationships (27:30-32:08)BreakHow society needs to change (32:12-37:06)Creating spaces for men to connect (37:06-39:56)Men on their own (39:56-41:29)What individual men can do (41:29-46:03)Why we need to support others (46:03-48:29)The significance of touch (48:29-50:38)What led Angelica to this research (50:38-54:25)Conclusion [Personal struggles with conforming to masculine norms and building close friendships with men; The need to reach out; Fears of rejection; Totalitarianism and a sense of abandonment; Far-right exploitation of men's isolation] (54:25-01:03:57)More infoHarvard Study of Adult Development: https://www.adultdevelopmentstudy.orgCarolyn J. Rosenthal, ‘Kinkeeping in the familial division of labor’: https://doi.org/10.2307/352340Niobe Way, ‘Deep Secrets’: https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674072428Judy Chu, ‘When Boys Become Boys’: https://nyupress.org/9780814764800/when-boys-become-boys/Niobe Way et al, ‘“It might be nice to be a girl... Then you wouldn't have to be emotionless”: Boys' resistance to norms of masculinity during adolescence’: https://doi.org/10.1037/a0037262Hannah Arendt, ‘The Origins of Totalitarianism’: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-origins-of-totalitarianism-9780241316757

With the US presidential election fast approaching, and the unexpected entry of Kamala Harris into the race, gender issues are central to the debate. Polls suggest women are more likely to vote Democrat, and men – including young men – more likely to vote Republican. A particular focus of both campaigns is on seeking to win men over, drawing upon different cultural narratives of masculinity. How is the Trump/Vance campaign drawing on masculinist and misogynistic discourses to appeal to those men who feel marginalised and resentful of women’s gains? How are the Harris/Walz campaign seeking to promote a ‘new masculinity’, where men can be both steady and strong, tender and vulnerable? In this episode, we explore with Rob Okun how this contemporary contest reflects shifting notions of masculinity over the past 50 years in the US. In particular, we discuss reproductive rights after the Roe vs Wade protection of the right to abortion was overturned by the Supreme Court in 2022, and the ways in which increasing numbers of men are acting in support of women’s right to choose. We also talk with Rob about his longstanding involvement in the US profeminist men’s movement, and how becoming a father was a key factor in his own journey to activism and engagement. Rob is perhaps best known for being the editor and publisher from 1996 to 2023 of Voice Male magazine, covering topics including men’s violence, fatherhood, men’s health, and LGBTQIA+ issues, both in the US and internationally. He is also the editor of an excellent book, ‘Voice Male: The Untold Story of the Profeminist Men’s Movement’. He is a former executive director of the Men’s Resource Center for Change, which was one of the earliest men’s centers in North America. He continues to speak at colleges and universities around the US, and writes for newspapers and websites such as Ms. Magazine.Rob’s personal website: https://robokun.netVoice Male magazine: https://voicemalemagazine.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/voicemalemagazineRob’s writing for Ms. Magazine: https://msmagazine.com/author/robokun/The 'Voice Male' book: https://shop.nextgenmen.ca/products/voice-male-the-untold-story-of-the-pro-feminist-mens-movement-by-rob-a-okunEpisode timelineIntroThe impact of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina (02:22-07:11)The potential significance of having a woman of colour as president (07:11-13:08)The ‘gender split’ in voting patterns (13:08-17:11)How Trump and Vance have been exploiting some men’s grievances (17:11-24:44)A ‘new masculinity’ among the Democrats? (24:44-29:58)BreakRob’s journey In the US profeminist men’s movement (30:05-40:29)How Voice Male developed over time (40:29-45:38)How Rob sees his role in the movement now (45:38-51:18)What he thinks Americans should do ahead of the election (51:18-54:17)Conclusion [Comparing with Jackson Katz interview; The Man Card film; ‘Tampon Tim’; Democrat leaders still needing to emphasise their toughness; Trump targeting young men; the US being a centre-left country; The impact of fatherhood; Overlaps in activism] (54:22-01:00:37)ExplainersPatti Smith - ‘People have the power’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Wz3i_BYUcMen4Choice https://www.men4choice.orgWhite Dudes for Harris https://whitedudesforharris.comAndrew Yarrow, ‘Man Out’ https://rowman.com/ISBN/9780815732754/Man-Out-Men-on-the-Sidelines-of-American-LifePeter Thiel https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_ThielThe Electoral College https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Electoral_CollegeMenEngage Alliance https://menengage.orgSteven Botkin https://www.mergeforequality.org/trainers/Next Gen Men https://www.nextgenmen.caGloria Steinem https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gloria_SteinemKamala Harris v Brett Cavanagh https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6g-zycRv8QThe Man Card documentary https://www.themancardmovie.com‘Men’s Activism to End Violence Against Women’ https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/mens-activism-to-end-violence-against-women

Despite the growth of discourses around ‘involved fatherhood’ and ‘work-family balance’, parenting remains highly challenging and inequitable, with expectations of parents intensifying and much of the load continuing to fall on mothers. This is despite men demonstrating in a variety of settings their capacity to engage in caregiving just as effectively as women. So what can we can do to make it easier for men to take up care work in its different forms, and to support parents with raising children and building gender equity in the home? Prof Tina Miller discusses over two decades of research she has conducted on family life with parents, including a recent study on the experiences of Syrian refugee fathers in the UK and Sweden. This provides a very different picture of the struggles faced by refugees from the negative portrayals that habitually dominate media narratives.  Also, Now and Men now has a Facebook page! Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/nowandmenTina is a Professor of Sociology at Oxford Brookes University, UK. She has been an expert advisor to the World Health Organisation, thinktanks and political parties in the UK and EU. Profile: https://www.brookes.ac.uk/profiles/staff/tina-millerTwitter: https://x.com/proftinamillerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-miller-8784a322/She has published several books on parenthood with Cambridge University Press.Motherhood: Contemporary Transitions and Generational Change (2023): https://www.cambridge.org/au/universitypress/subjects/sociology/sociology-gender/motherhood-contemporary-transitions-and-generational-changeMaking Sense of Parenthood: Caring, Gender and Family Lives (2017): https://www.cambridge.org/au/universitypress/subjects/sociology/sociology-gender/making-sense-parenthood-caring-gender-and-family-livesMaking Sense of Fatherhood: Gender, Caring and Work (2010): https://www.cambridge.org/au/universitypress/subjects/sociology/sociology-general-interest/making-sense-fatherhood-gender-caring-and-workMaking Sense of Motherhood: A Narrative Approach (2005): https://www.cambridge.org/au/universitypress/subjects/sociology/sociology-general-interest/making-sense-motherhood-narrative-approachTina has also authored/presented a series of BBC Radio 4 Analysis programmes.What's changing about childbirth: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001n2h0Why do we assume women care?: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001f53pModern parenting: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000k2tvEpisode timelineIntroductionSyrian refugee dads: Representation v reality (02:15-06:33)How services treat refugee mothers and fathers (06:33-09:53)Differences in refugee experiences in Sweden/the UK (09:53-12:42)Syrian dads’ relationships with Western notions of ‘involved’ fatherhood (12:42-15:21)Tina’s experience of interviewing refugee families (15:21-21:16)First-time fathers in the UK (21:16-30:24)Transitions in parenting (30:24-34:19)BreakThe intensification of parenthood (34:25-38:09)Illusions of work-family balance (38:09-42:40)How we can get men more involved (42:40-45:26)Older men’s caregiving (45:26-48:22)Recruiting more men to the social care sector (48:22-53:10)The beginnings of Tina’s career in the Solomon Islands and Bangladesh (53:10-56:32)Conclusion - Class inequities and parenting; Different family types; Ken Loach’s ‘The Old Oak’; Climate change and refugees; The riots and refugee ambivalence about sharing their stories; Shifting the discourse on migration (56:32-01:03:53)ExplainersEdgar’s Mission: https://edgarsmission.org.au‘Men and Welfare’ book: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003178811Damascus Rose Kitchen, Oxford: https://www.damascusrosekitchen.org‘The Old Oak’ film: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Old_Oak

For one turbulent week at the end of July this year, serious rioting broke out across around 20 towns and cities in England and Northern Ireland. Rioters attacked homes and businesses owned by immigrants, and set fire to accommodation housing asylum-seekers. The riots began near Liverpool after the horrific murder of three young girls in a neighbouring town, about which far-right supporters spread false claims online that the perpetrator was a Muslim migrant or asylum-seeker.Whilst some women were involved, the vast majority of the rioters were men. So how should we understand the place of masculinities and misogyny in these events, and in extreme movements more generally? What should we make of the response of the authorities, focused largely on criminality, arrests, and imprisonment? How significant is the subsequent upsurge in anti-racism rallies across the country, which heavily outnumbered the far-right rioters?We talk to Dr Elizabeth Pearson about her recent book ‘Extreme Britain: Gender, Masculinity and Radicalisation’, which explores misogyny and masculinities in relation to the far-right (English Defence League, Britain First, and For Britain) and the Islamist group al-Muhajiroun. The book is based on interviews with figures including Anjem Choudary, Tommy Robinson, Jayda Fransen, and Anne Marie Waters. Elizabeth argues that radicalisation is a ‘masculinity project’ for those who get involved in extremism – both for those on the far-right, and those in Islamist groups.Elizabeth is a Senior Lecturer in Criminology at Royal Holloway, University of London. She is also an Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) for Defence and Security Studies. Prior to academia, she worked as a radio journalist for the BBC.Profile: https://pure.royalholloway.ac.uk/en/persons/elizabeth-pearsonTwitter: https://x.com/lizzypearsonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-pearson-3572a117/Elizabeth’s ‘Extreme Britain’ book: https://www.hurstpublishers.com/book/extreme-britain/She also co-authored ‘Countering Violent Extremism: Making Gender Matter’ (2020): https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-21962-8Her Conversation piece about the riots: https://theconversation.com/the-hypermasculine-far-right-how-white-nationalists-tell-themselves-they-are-protecting-women-and-children-when-they-riot-236250Her writing for RUSI: https://rusi.org/people/pearsonEpisode timelineIntroduction (00:00-02:37)Elizabeth’s feelings as she saw the riots unfold (02:37-05:42)Government and public responses to the riots (05:42-09:30)Discourses about ‘protecting’ women and girls (09:30-14:41)Connections between misogyny, domestic abuse, and extremism (14:41-19:06)Men's responses (19:06-23:55)Break (23:55)Why extremist radicalisation is a ‘masculinity project’ (24:00-27:45)Similarities and differences between the far-right and Islamist extremism (27:45-33:37)Elizabeth’s experience of conducting her research (33:37-39:40)Women’s place in the far-right (39:40-49:11)What got Elizabeth involved in this area of research (49:11-54:12)Conclusion [The counter-protests; addressing the root causes; links between the mainstream and far-right; exploitation of working-class men; protest masculinity; engaging with people across divides] (54:12-01:02:29)ExplainersMore info at Hope Not Hate: https://hopenothate.org.uk/case-files-hub/Tommy Robinson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_RobinsonAndrew Tate: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_TateNigel Farage: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigel_FarageGreggs: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GreggsAnjem Choudary: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anjem_Choudary‘Home Grown’ by Joan Smith - https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/joan-smith/home-grown/9781787476066/Prevent Strategy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CONTESTUCL ‘Grievance’ research team: https://www.grievance-erc.comProf Joel Busher: https://pureportal.coventry.ac.uk/en/persons/joel-busherEnglish Defence League: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Defence_LeagueBritain First: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Britain_FirstFor Britain: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/For_Britain_Movement              Al-Muhajiroun: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-MuhajirounJayda Fransen: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayda_FransenAnne-Marie Waters: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Marie_WatersBoudica: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BoudicaPegida: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pegida

Professor Jeff Hearn has been engaging in academic, activist, and personal work on men, masculinities, and pro-feminism for over 45 years. So how does he reflect on what he has observed over the course of his career, and in contemporary debates? For instance, what are ‘political masculinities’ and how are they playing out in today’s turbulent political climate? Is it possible to categorise different legal and policy approaches to men and gender equality across Europe? What counts as ‘violence’ and how should we understand the links between different forms? How can memory work help to explain the relationship between masculinity and ageing? These are some of the concepts and issues we explore in this wide-ranging episode, based on Jeff’s rich body of writing and research since the 1970s. Jeff’s work is well known in the field of critical studies on men and masculinities. He has also worked extensively on organisations, management and work, with special emphasis on gender, sexuality, diversity and intersectionality; and men’s violence to women and children. His wider interests include globalisation and transnationalisations, social theory, and cultural studies. He spent his early career at Bradford University in the UK, rising to became head of department. Since then, he has held various posts internationally, including: Research Professor in Social Sciences, Manchester University, UK; Professor of Gender Studies, Linköping University, Sweden; and currently Professor Emeritus, Management and Organisation, Hanken School of Economics, Finland; Senior Professor, Human Geography, Örebro University, Sweden; and Professor of Sociology, University of Huddersfield, UK. He was also a founder member of ‘Profeministimiehet’, Finland.Jeff’s work:https://www.hanken.fi/sv/person/jeff-hearnhttps://www.oru.se/english/employee/jeff_hearnhttps://pure.hud.ac.uk/en/persons/jeff-hearnEpisode timeline:Introduction (00:00-03:32)The ‘masculinity contest’ between Biden and Trump (03:32-11:50)‘Political masculinities’ and recent elections across Europe (11:50-19:38)Categorising policy approaches to gender equality and men in Europe (19:38-24:51)‘Violence regimes’ and interconnections between men’s violences (24:51-30:02)Break (30:02-30:08)Reflecting on Jeff’s career and the history of critical studies on men and masculinities (30:08-40:11)Focusing on men’s practices and ‘the hegemony of men’ (40:11-44:13)The Older Men’s Memory Work Group (44:13-50:43)Ageing and masculinity (50:43-52:38)Conclusion (Tap Social in Oxford; 'Strong' vs collective leadership; Older men and power; Violence against women and the 'Nordic paradox'; Ecological violence; Coercive control) (52:38-59:58)More info:‘Trump v Biden: A duel of contrasting masculinities’ (2020) https://theconversation.com/trump-v-biden-a-duel-of-contrasting-masculinities-148300‘Evaluating the concept of political masculinity/ies: A simple idea or a case of too many ideas?’ (2024): https://doi.org/10.1332/25151088Y2023D000000021‘European Perspectives on Men and Masculinities: National and Transnational Approaches’ (2006): https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230626447‘Violence regimes: A useful concept for social politics, social analysis, and social theory’ (2022) https://doi.org/10.1007/s11186-022-09474-4‘The Violences of Men’ (1998): https://doi.org/10.4135/9781446279069‘From Hegemonic Masculinity to the Hegemony of Men’ (2004): https://doi.org/10.1177/1464700104040813‘Men’s Stories for a Change: Ageing Men Remember’ (2016): https://doi.org/10.18848/978-1-61229-860-3/CGP‘Routledge Handbook on Men, Masculinities and Organizations’ (2023): https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003193579James Messerschmidt: https://usm.maine.edu/directories/people/james-w-messerschmidt/Niels Spierlings: https://www.ru.nl/en/people/spierings-c  Raewyn Connell – ‘Masculinities’: http://www.raewynconnell.net/p/masculinities_20.htmlKopano Ratele: https://www0.sun.ac.za/psychology/staff/academic-staff/prof-kopano-ratele/’Men’s Stories for a Change: Ageing Men Remember’ (2016): https://doi.org/10.18848/978-1-61229-860-3/CGPFrigga Haug: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frigga_HaugCollective Memory-Work: http://collectivememorywork.netTap Social: https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/jul/14/oxford-brewery-helps-cut-reoffending-rates-by-training-jail-leavers-to-make-ale‘The Myth of the Strong Leader’ (2014): https://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-myth-of-the-strong-leader-9781448156986

Why should we all be concerned by the content, production and dissemination of pornography today? What is the impact of the normalisation of porn culture on boys and young men? How can we help them to reject harmful and inequitable sexual behaviours and attitudes, live up to the values they hold, and build healthy, mutualistic relationships? In this episode, youth advocate and educator Daniel Principe talks frankly about what led him to speak out about pornography, and how he came to engage with boys and young men on these issues. He describes his innovative approach in schools and colleges across Australia, and talks movingly about the positive and thoughtful responses of the boys and young men he encounters. He emphasises the need to support boys through adolescence, to help them to critique the unequal culture they are growing up in, and to champion their fundamental decency and courage.  In Australia, Daniel is a member of the DART Institute (Domestic Abuse Resource and Training Group), an Ambassador for the Women’s Resilience Centre, and an Ambassador for the national campaign Consent Can’t Wait.Find out more about Daniel’s work: https://www.danielprincipe.com.auFollow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lastoftheromans/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-principe-8b7556ab/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrdanielprincipeEpisode timeline:Intro (00:00-01:32)What led Daniel to start questioning pornography (01:32-06:01)How and why pornography has become so pervasive (06:01-12:53) Problems with the content of mainstream porn (12:53-18:39)Its impacts on men and boys (18:39-24:24)Damaging consequences for male sexuality (24:24-29:15)Break (29:15-29:21)Daniel’s work with boys and young men (29:21-39:18)What we can do about porn culture, personally and politically (39:18-51:52)Conclusion (Tensions between challenging and supporting boys; The need for structural change; The narrow, conservative, big business nature of porn; Profiting from cycles of shame; Boys’ capacity to critique; How porn constructs masculinity; Perpetuating the male gaze and the centring of men’s pleasure; ‘The end of masculinity’?) (51:52-59:59)More info: Read Daniel’s piece for SBS Insight: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/insight/article/porn-taught-me-to-disrespect-women-from-when-i-was-11-now-i-try-to-tell-kids-whats-real/vbk4p7ggxAustralian Government ‘Consent Can’t Wait’ campaign: https://www.consent.gov.auAustralian eSafety Commissioner report, ‘Being a young man online’ (2024): https://www.esafety.gov.au/research/being-a-young-man-onlineAustralian Institute of Family Studies report, ‘The effects of pornography on children and young people’ (2017): https://aifs.gov.au/research/research-snapshots/effects-pornography-children-and-young-peopleOur Watch report, ‘Pornography, young people and preventing violence against women’ (2020): https://www.ourwatch.org.au/pornography-young-people-and-preventing-violence-against-womenAustralian National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032: https://www.dss.gov.au/ending-violence‘The Man Box 2024’ report: https://jss.org.au/programs/research/the-man-box/BBC Scotland survey of young British men: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-51967295 Prof Michael Flood: https://www.qut.edu.au/about/our-people/academic-profiles/m.floodDr Maree Crabbe: https://itstimewetalked.com/about-us/our-people/Prof Michael Salter: https://research.unsw.edu.au/people/professor-michael-alan-salterDr Fiona Vera-Gray’s new book, ‘Women on Porn’: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/454201/women-on-porn-by-vera-gray-dr-fiona/9781911709435Her research on the content of mainstream online porn: https://doi.org/10.1093/bjc/azab035Robert Jensen, ‘Getting Off’: https://robertwjensen.org/books/getting-off/

Across the globe, men tend to have a lower life expectancy than women. Although there are still significant challenges facing women’s health, on issues ranging from cancer to suicide, men are faring badly. However, a closer look reveals that this picture varies significantly across different groups of men. Why is that? What role does masculinity play in shaping health inequities among men, and their experience of illnesses like prostate cancer? For Men’s Health Week 2024, we speak to Professor Derek Griffith about why an intersectional approach, which addresses issues such as economic inequality and structural racism, is vital to engaging with men and boys about their health and wellbeing.Derek is a Founding Co-Director of the Racial Justice Institute and Founder and Director of the Center for Men’s Health Equity at Georgetown University (Washginton, DC, United States), where he is a Professor of Health Management and Policy and Oncology. He also serves as the Chair of Global Action on Men’s Health, a global men’s health advocacy organisation. Find out more about Derek’s work: https://gufaculty360.georgetown.edu/s/contact/0031Q00002J74ovQAB/derek-griffithFollow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrDMGriffithFollow him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekmgriffith/Global Action on Men’s Health: https://gamh.orgCenter for Men’s Health Equity, Georgetown University: https://cmhe.georgetown.eduEpisode timeline:Intro (00:00-01:28)Men’s Health Week and why it matters (01:28-02:34)Why an intersectional understanding of men’s wellbeing is needed (02:34-04:45)How health inequities manifest themselves in the US (04:45-06:01)The consequences of structural racism (06:01-09:35)The influence of masculinity on different groups of men (09:35-12:27)Understanding Black American manhood (12:27-15:10)Risk-taking (15:10-16:34)Men’s poor take-up of health services (16:34-19:52)Making healthcare more accessible (19:52-22:53)The costs of healthcare in the US (22:53-26:00)Break (26:00-26:07)Lack of discussion of men’s mental health in global policies (26:07-28:03)Men’s vulnerability and looking beyond individual explanations (28:03-30:13)What policy changes are needed (30:13-32:07)Masculinity and prostate cancer (32:07-40:10)Other forms of cancer experienced by men (40:10-42:09)Discomfort among male doctors (42:09-43:43)How we can engage with marginalised men and boys about their wellbeing (43:43-48:05)Fatherhood and (self)care (48:05-51:56)Conclusion (The structural dynamics of masculinity; The role of social class; ‘Dying of whiteness’; Relationships and women’s positive impact; Prostate cancer) (51:56-59:34)More info:Syndemics: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syndemic Tony Coles - ‘mosaic masculinity’: https://doi.org/10.1177/1440783308092882Tony Whitehead - Jamaican and African-American men, reputation and respectability: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.93.6.1050Steve Robertson - the ‘don’t care, should care’ dichotomy: https://doi.org/10.1177/1363459306061787Roland Thorpe - the cost of men’s health inequities: https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2014/health-disparities-among-us-african-american-and-hispanic-men-cost-economy-more-than-450-billion-over-four-years Jonathan Metzl - ‘dying of whiteness’: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jonathan-m-metzl/dying-of-whiteness/9781541644960/?lens=basic-booksGlobal Action on Men's Health reports on cancer: https://gamh.org/cancer-charter/ And mental health: https://gamh.org/absent-minded/

Why do most men in politics avoid describing themselves and their politics as ‘feminist’? If they do support gender equality, why do they prefer instead to be called allies, advocates or supporters? What does this mean in practice for what men politicians do to promote women’s rights, and address harmful masculine norms? How are they seen by feminist activists, women politicians and young people? These are vital issues given the power men in politics have to drive (or obstruct) change towards gender equality and preventing violence against women. They are discussed in a report by Dr Ján Michalko for ODI, a global affairs think tank, drawing on case studies by research teams in Colombia, Liberia and Malaysia. We talk to Ján about the findings from the research, its implications for politicians, international donors, civil society and researchers on how to engage with men in positions of power, and what such men can do to promote the transformation of unequal gender norms, in politics and in wider society.Ján is a Research Fellow in Gender Equality and Social Inclusion at ODI. His research interests are in gender inequalities, political engagement, masculinities, feminist foreign policy, and youth. His work includes supporting the digital ALiGN platform at ODI, which brings together global gender norms research and lessons for transformative change: https://www.alignplatform.orgFollow Ján on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ján-michalko-phd-54719251Twitter: https://x.com/MichalkoJanFollow ALiGN on Twitter: https://x.com/ALIGN_GenderODI website: https://odi.org/en/Read the full research series, including the cross-country analysis and in-depth country reports: https://www.alignplatform.org/research-series-men-politics-agents-gender-equitable-change Episode timeline:Intro (00:00-02:20)Why ALiGN wanted to research men in politics (02:20-05:35)The political context in Colombia, Liberia & Malaysia (05:35-08:53)Challenges of comparing across contexts (08:53-10:35)Interviewing men in politics (10:35-14:02)The reluctance of men politicians to take on the label ‘feminist’ (14:02-17:19)Actions speak louder than words (17:19-18:54)The risk of falls from grace (18:54-19:53)Factors shaping men politicians' engagement with gender equality (19:53-23:59)Differences across political parties (23:59-26:23)The electoral cycle (26:23-28:40)Break (28:40-28:46)Focus groups with students & activists about their views on men politicians (28:46-32:44)Anti-feminist backlash (32:44-35:55)Barriers & enablers to progress for gender equality politics (35:55-38:15)What actions men in politics can take (38:15-40:17)The influence they have on wider society (40:17-42:08)Their reluctance to reflect on masculinity (42:08-46:29)Ján’s own story of how he got involved in this work (46:29-51:20)Conclusion (Interactions with MPs Tony Benn & Peter Jackson; Men politicians’ motivations for supporting women’s rights over time; Pushes for the Australian govt to address violence against women; The impact women have on men; The risk of the political discourse moving backwards) (51:20-59:18)Explainers:George Weah ‘Declares himself 'Liberia's Feminist-In-Chief' - https://www.sheroesforum.com/d/5/38/982/Pres.-Weah-Declares-Himself-'Liberia's-Feminist-In-Chief';-Recommits-To-Women's-Cause‘Will Gustavo Petro live up to his promises to Colombia’s women?’:https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/6/21/will-gustavo-petro-live-up-to-his-promises-to-colombias-womenMalaysia’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah, called for a feminist foreign policy in 2020: https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnists/2022/09/827413/feminist-foreign-policy-about-inclusiveness-decision-makingEllen Johnson Sirleaf (former president of Liberia): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellen_Johnson_SirleafRainbow Murray & Elin Bjarnegård, ‘Bringing men & masculinities into political science’ - https://doi.org/10.1332/251510823X16920325768482

Dr Ken Harland has been involved in youth work practice and research with boys and young men in Northern Ireland for the past 35 years. During that time, he has witnessed a transition from a culture in which violence and conflict was normalised, to one of peace-building and hope. But how were ‘The Troubles’ shaped by gender inequality? What impact did and does the conflict have on young men growing up, and on ideas of masculinity? How is it possible to reach disadvantaged boys and young men and help them find their voice in this context? And are there lessons for elsewhere from the political transformation of Northern Ireland towards peace?After being a community youth worker for 17 years, in 1996 Ken joined Ulster University and was co-founder and co-director of the ‘Centre for Young Men’s Studies’ there from 2005-2016. Since then he’s worked independently as a consultant, trainer, lecturer and researcher in youth and youth-related issues, and also works part-time as a Research Fellow and Consultant with Ulster University's longitudinal research initiative ‘Taking Boys Seriously’. In this episode, Ken talks movingly about his personal story, linking his early work experiences in the shipyards, to finding his passion in education, his relationship with his dad, and being a grandparent. Follow Ken on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-harland-26b237b5/Read more of his research: https://pure.ulster.ac.uk/en/persons/ken-harlandCheck out his book, ‘Boys, Young Men and Violence: Masculinities, Education and Practice’ (2015): https://link.springer.com/book/10.1057/9781137297358 and recent journal articles...‘Taking Boys Seriously: A participatory action research initiative demonstrating the transformative potential of relational education’ (2024): https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01425692.2024.2315121‘Embedding masculinities within a gender conscious relational pedagogy to transform education with boys experiencing compounded educational disadvantage’ (2024): https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14681366.2024.2301726We cover the following topics:Ken’s experience of living through The Troubles (01:14-05:22)The place of gender in conversations about transition away from conflict (05:22-08:45)How men were expected to be ‘defenders’ and ‘protectors’ (08:45-11:52)The dominance of the ‘cult of the hardman’ (11:52-15:34)Similarities and differences in masculine pressures in different contexts (15:34-18:36)The impact of the police and army as well as paramilitary organisations (18:36-20:17)Hopes for a better future despite the challenges (20:17-25:07)The experiences of women during The Troubles (25:07-26:59)What led Ken to work on masculinity issues (26:59-35:30)The establishment of the Centre for Young Men’s Studies in Belfast (35:30-40:59)Making sense of how masculinity influences young men's (and our own) lives (40:59-46:46)Taking Boys Seriously: The need for gender conscious relational pedagogy (46:46-48:33)Practical lessons from Ken’s work with boys (48:33-53:04)Conclusion: Moving away from a culture of violence; Challenging the notion that boys don’t talk; Social change in Northern Ireland, including around Brexit and abortion; Connections with previous episodes, including #39 with Dr Jocelyn Smith Lee on gun violence in the US (53:04-01:00:45)Further info:About ‘The Troubles’ - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Troubles‘Tartan army: how Belfast gang culture morphed into paramilitarism’ (Irish Times) - https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/tartan-army-how-belfast-gang-culture-morphed-into-paramilitarism-1.2737322‘Belfast has more peace walls now than 25 years ago – removing them will be a complex challenge’ (The Conversation) - https://theconversation.com/belfast-has-more-peace-walls-now-than-25-years-ago-removing-them-will-be-a-complex-challenge-203975Northern Ireland Executive Office draft Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls - https://www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk/topics/ending-violence-against-women-and-girls