Now and Men

Between 2016 and 2020, the number of vegans in Europe has doubled from 1.3 million to 2.6 million. More and more people are questioning the consumption of meat and dairy for ethical, environmental and health reasons. The majority of these people are women, but there are a significant number of men who are vegans, too – and over 30% of Europeans say they are consciously eating less meat. In this episode, we explore men’s experiences and motivations for becoming vegan, and how they deal with masculine norms and expectations about food. For instance, veganism and vegetarianism are sometimes portrayed as ‘unmanly’ and effeminate, whilst meat-eating is often associated with strength, virility, and masculinity. The meat and dairy industries are also major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions – might the climate crisis and increasing recognition of the harms caused by these industries be leading to changes in the attitudes and behaviours of some men?We speak to Dr Kadri Aavik, who is an Associate Professor of Gender Studies at Tallinn University, Estonia. Kadri has written a book about her research in Estonia and Finland on men and veganism, which has been published this year by Palgrave Macmillan: ‘Contesting Anthropocentric Masculinities through Veganism: Lived Experiences of Vegan Men’. Research for the book was conducted as part of the project ‘Climate Sustainability in the Kitchen: Everyday Food Cultures in Transition’ (University of Helsinki, 2018-2022), funded by the Kone Foundation: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/projects/climate-sustainability-kitchen   Buy Kadri’s book: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-19507-5Find out more about her research: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kadri-Aavik and https://www.etis.ee/CV/Kadri_Aavik/engWe cover the following topics in this episode:Why food and eating are gendered (02:38-05:02)How to define veganism (05:02-06:49)Kadri’s research with vegan men in Estonia and Finland (06:49-09:41)Men’s motivations for becoming vegan (09:41-11:20)Kadri’s own relationship with veganism (11:20-13:33)The connections between meat-eating and masculinity (13:33-15:02)Gendered differences in diets (15:02-17:14)Men’s engagement in household cooking (17:14-21:32)Navigating family relationships as a vegan (21:32-23:32)The influence of patriarchy on human relations with other animals (23:32-27:42)What this has to do with climate change and ‘Anthropocentric masculinities’ (27:42-32:10)Barriers to veganism for men (32:10-37:33)The different contexts of veganism in Estonia and Finland (37:33-41:39)The extent to which veganism is a ‘privileged’ phenomenon (41:39-44:35)Achieving institutional as well as individual change (44:35-48:48)Veganism as a form of activism, not just a ‘lifestyle choice’ (48:48-50:45)Impacts of veganism on men’s relationships (50:45-54:12)Explainers: Routledge Handbook on Men, Masculinities and Organizations - https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.4324/9781003193579/routledge-handbook-men-masculinities-organizations-jeff-hearn-kadri-aavik-david-collinson-anika-thymThe UK Vegan Society - https://www.vegansociety.comCarol Adams: The Sexual Politics of Meat - https://caroljadams.com/spom-the-book‘Suella Braverman blames ‘Guardian-reading, tofu-eating wokerati’ for disruptive protests’ (Guardian, 18th Oct 2022) - https://www.theguardian.com/politics/video/2022/oct/18/suella-braverman-blames-guardian-reading-tofu-eating-wokerati-for-disruptive-protests-video

Suicide is a major health and wellbeing issue among men, with the UK suicide rate three times higher for men than women. There are clear links to issues of masculinity here, such as pressures on men to never show ‘weakness’ or emotion, or the idea that it is ‘unmanly’ to struggle with one’s mental health or experience failure. However, the situation is complex. Some groups of men are much more likely to take their own lives than others. The factors at play can vary substantially. And whilst they are less likely to die, women appear to be more likely to attempt to take their own lives and experience suicidal thoughts than men. Professor Jonathan Scourfield talks us through these complexities, and helps us to understand what masculinity has to do with suicide.Towards the end of our conversation, we also talk about other significant aspects of Jonathan’s work in relation to engaging fathers, child welfare, and social work with men more generally. For help and support:In the UK and Ireland, call Samaritans on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie - https://samaritans.orgCALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) can be contacted on 0800 58 58 58 from 5pm-midnight - https://thecalmzone.netThe youth charity Papyrus can be contacted on 0800 068 4141 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org - https://papyrus-uk.orgIn the US, call/text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on 988 - https://988lifeline.orgIn Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 - https://www.lifeline.org.auOther international helplines can be found at https://befrienders.orgJonathan Scourfield is a Professor of Social Work in the School of Social Sciences at the University of Cardiff, Wales. He’s also a Deputy Director of CASCADE, the Children's Social Care Research and Development Centre. He has conducted an extensive body of research over his career on topics including child and family services, working with men, social work education, identity and religion in children, and suicide and self-harm. More info about Jonathan’s work: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/people/view/38087-scourfield-jonathanFollow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/j_scourfieldRead his paper, ‘Suicidal Masculinities’, in the journal Sociological Research Online (2005): https://www.socresonline.org.uk/10/2/scourfield.htmlHe also refers to the influential book he co-wrote with Brid Featherstone and Mark Rivett, ‘Working with Men in Health and Social Care’ (Sage, 2007) - https://uk.sagepub.com/en-gb/eur/working-with-men-in-health-and-social-care/book228342  We cover the following topics in this episode:How accurate it is so say that men are less inclined to seek help (01:23 - 05:38)The range of factors which help to explain suicides among men (05:38 - 10:34)The relevance of feminist theories such as 'hegemonic masculinity' to male suicide, including links with violence and abuse (10:34 - 15:47)The influence of heteronormative pressures on men, and perceptions about mental illness (15:47 - 18:30)Understanding differences in suicide rates among men based on age (18:30 - 22:43)The impact of leaving the workforce on older men (22:43 - 25:03)The role of poverty and economic/geographical inequalities, and how women’s suicides fit into the picture (25:03 - 28:54)The preventative role of social networks, and the influence of gendered cultural scripts (28:54 - 34:26)Pressures faced by families (34:26 - 36:54)The role of the coroner's process (36:54 - 37:45)Policy responses to male suicide in the UK, and what more needs to be done (37:45 - 42:15)Jonathan’s research on engaging fathers in child welfare services (42:15 - 49:26)Contrasts with the ways in which mothers are seen by social services (49:26 - 50:59)The impact that feminism has had on Jonathan (50:59 - 54:13)Recap: Changes in public discourses around men’s mental health, the importance of relationships, the significance of employment to men, prevention efforts, the impact of Covid-19 (54:13 - 01:00:45)Explainers:ONS = UK Office for National StatisticsPSHE = Personal, social, health and economic education‘Lonely at the Top’ by Thomas Joiner (2011) - https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780230341111/lonelyatthetop

Jackson Katz has long been a major figure in the growing global movement of men working to promote gender equality and prevent gender-based violence. He has also written and broadcast extensively about the central role of masculinity and gender in shaping political debates in the United States. With politics ever more polarised, authoritarianism and political violence – especially towards women – are becoming increasingly normalised, and figures such as Donald Trump and conservative media outlets are playing into patriarchal definitions of manhood and the family to appeal to the public.Jackson is an educator, author, lecturer, and social theorist. He is the author of ‘The Macho Paradox: Why Some Men Hurt Women and How all Men Can Help’, and ‘Man Enough? Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton and the Politics of Presidential Masculinity’. He has also created a series of educational documentaries including ‘Tough Guise’, ‘The Bystander Moment’ and ‘The Man Card’. In 1993, Jackson co-founded Mentors in Violence Prevention in the United States, a widely influential gender-based violence prevention programme which instigated the ‘bystander’ approach. He also has a PhD in Cultural Studies and Education. Jackson recently founded the online advocacy organisation and guerrilla think tank, ‘Men for Democracy’, as a way to amplify the voices of men who support reproductive justice and democratic governance, and oppose rising authoritarianism and the increase in violence and misogyny in politics. Find out more about Jackson’s work: https://www.jacksonkatz.comThe ‘Men for Democracy’ campaign: https://menfordemocracy.comRead Jackson’s commentary pieces at Ms Magazine: https://msmagazine.com/author/jkatz/Follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jacksontkatzInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacksontkatzLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackson-katz-ph-d-b7785b3/Watch his TEDx Talk, ‘Violence against women – It’s a men's issue’, which has received more than 5 million views: https://youtu.be/KTvSfeCRxe8We discuss the following topics in this episode:The extent to which men are facing a ‘crisis of masculinity’ in countries like the US today (01:32 - 10:14) Why Donald Trump appeals to so many people, especially white working-class men (10:14 - 16:29)How US presidential campaigns have increasingly become the centre stage for debates about masculinity (16:29 - 28:51)How media such as Fox News have exploited patriarchal gender norms and contributed to political polarisation (28:51 - 34:18)Increases in threats of political violence, especially towards women, and how men should respond (34:18 - 40:26)The - often ignored - relationship between masculinity and gun violence in the US (40:26 - 49:49)What gives Jackson hope and motivation to continue doing this work (49:49 - 58:04)Why pro-feminists should be more ambitious in countering the seductive appeal of ‘men’s rights’ advocates such as Andrew Tate and Jordan Peterson (58:04 - 01:02:55)

Responding to serious public concern following the kidnap, rape and murder of Sarah Everard by a serving officer, together with multiple other deeply disturbing incidents, Baroness Casey’s recent independent review of London’s Metropolitan Police has highlighted institutional misogyny, racism and homophobia in the force. The review found serious failings in the Met’s leadership, recruitment, vetting, training, culture and communications, and made widespread recommendations for restoring public trust.In this episode, we talk to Andrea Simon, Director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW), about their response to the ongoing revelations coming out of the Met and Britain’s police forces; what needs to be done to take forward efforts to prevent violence against women and girls in the UK at this critical moment; and the contribution men and boys can make to that.The End Violence Against Women Coalition is a group of feminist organisations and experts across the UK, working to end violence against women and girls in all its forms. It’s made up of over 135 specialist women’s support services, researchers, activists, survivors and NGOs. Andrea has worked at EVAW since 2017, and before that she campaigned on issues such as child trafficking and modern slavery and spent more than a decade working for Members of Parliament.Find out more about EVAW: http://evaw.org.ukTwitter: https://twitter.com/evawukFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/endviolenceagainstwomen/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evawuk/Follow Andrea on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndreaSimon48We cover the following topics in this episode: The Casey Review of the culture and standards of behaviour within the Metropolitan Police, and responses to it (00:55 - 04:52)The gendered ways in which police resources are distributed (04:53-07:58)The extent to which reforming the police is possible (07:58-10:41)Seeking radical change whilst pushing for action in the here and now (10:41-13:05)Why prevention work is so important and what more needs to be done (13:05-16:57)The role of schools in prevention, and EVAW’s #AboutTime campaign (16:57-20:22)The contribution men and boys can make to ending violence against women (20:22-24:03)Tensions which can arise when working with men and boys (24:03-25:43)Shifts Andrea has observed during her time in the violence against women sector (25:43-30:03)What keeps Andrea motivated and hopeful in doing this work (30:03-32:26)Why an intersectional, anti-racist approach is so important (32:26-36:20)The impact of anti-immigration rhetoric on efforts to support victim-survivors (36:20-39:09)Backlash to gender equality from figures such as Andrew Tate (39:09-42:45)Tackling online abuse, and the UK’s Online Safety Bill (42:45-44:50)Bringing about political action (44:50-48:42)Why a feminist approach is so valuable (48:42-52:02)Further resources:EVAW’s #AboutTime campaign: https://www.endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk/campaign/abouttime/EVAW’s campaign against online abuse: https://www.endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk/campaign/online-abuse/Louise Casey's Report: https://www.met.police.uk/police-forces/metropolitan-police/areas/about-us/about-the-met/bcr/baroness-casey-review/Anti-Racism in VAWG Working Group: https://www.endingracisminvawg.orgUK Government ‘Enough’ campaign: https://enough.campaign.gov.ukA piece by Stephen, Sandy and Prof Nicole Westmarland for The Conversation from 2021, ‘Sarah Everard, police culture and the ‘masculinised’ workplaces we can all help change’: https://theconversation.com/sarah-everard-police-culture-and-the-masculinised-workplaces-we-can-all-help-change-169774The ‘Macpherson Report’ from The Stephen Lawrence Inquiry (1999): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-stephen-lawrence-inquiry‘‘We could have saved Sarah,’ says victim of Wayne Couzens’s indecent exposure’ (Guardian, 6th Mar 2023) - https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/mar/06/we-could-have-saved-sarah-says-victim-of-wayne-couzens-indecent-exposure‘‘Endemic’ sexism in Met police led to undercover deception, inquiry told’ (Guardian, 21st Feb 2023) - https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/feb/21/endemic-sexism-in-met-police-led-to-undercover-deception-inquiry-told‘David Carrick: Serial rapist Met Police officer in prison at least 30 years’ (BBC, 7th Feb 2023) - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-64540800‘Sex education review is ‘politically motivated’, say teaching unions’ (Guardian, 8th March 2023) - https://www.theguardian.com/education/2023/mar/08/sex-education-review-is-politically-motivated-say-teaching-unions‘Keir Starmer promises to halve violence against women as part of crime ‘mission’’ (Guardian, 23rd March 2023) - https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/mar/23/keir-starmer-promises-to-halve-violence-against-women-as-part-of-labour-crime-mission  ‘Operation Soteria: a new approach to investigating rape’ (Guardian podcast, 24th Oct 2022) - https://www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2022/oct/24/operation-soteria-rape-conviction-rates-podcastIf you have been affected by sexual violence, information and support is available from Rape Crisis: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/Contact the UK National Domestic Abuse Helpline: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/

Some people migrate in search of work or economic opportunities, to join family, or to study. Others to escape war, conflict, persecution, or human rights abuses. Increasingly, people move in response to climate crises and natural disasters. Despite these realities, migration and migrants are often portrayed negatively by the media and politicians, with policy and legislation made more and more restrictive. Many of these people are men - however, migration is rarely discussed in relation to gender and masculinity. Migrating men are often perceived in purely economic terms, or as a ‘threat’, linked to criminality, sexism, and terrorism. But what do we know about these men’s actual experiences, and how they navigate masculine expectations and power relations? This is what Dr Katarzyna Wojnicka has explored in her research, particularly with a large yet under-discussed group – that of Eastern European men migrating across Europe from countries such as Poland. Katarzyna is an Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, based in the Department of Sociology and Work Science, and the Centre for European Research. She’s also an Editor in-Chief for NORMA, the International Journal for Masculinity Studies.Find out more about Katarzyna’s research: https://www.gu.se/en/about/find-staff/katarzynawojnicka and https://katarzynawojnicka.com Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrKandTheMen Follow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarzyna-wojnicka-787a7072/ In this episode we cover the following topics:Why men and migration is a topic worth studyingThe main pieces of research Katarzyna has conducted in this area, such as her research on ‘transnational bachelors’The vulnerabilities arising from migrationWhy there has been little attention towards Eastern European men in research on migration in EuropeResearching this topic as an ‘insider’Why Katarzyna left PolandWhy she decided to research men and masculinitiesAttacks on women’s and LGBTQ+ rights in PolandSingle male migrants’ constructions of masculinityThe problems with ‘protective masculinity’What ‘hybrid masculinity’ means in the context of migrationWhy a ‘spatial’ approach is vital to understanding masculinitiesImproving public policy responsesThe war in Ukraine, refugees and genderPolitical discourses about migration in the UKFurther reading:Here is a selection of papers by Katarzyna which we discuss in the episode:‘Migrant men in the nexus of space and (dis)empowerment’ (NORMA, 2017): https://doi.org/10.1080/18902138.2017.1342061‘Self-positioning as a man in transnational contexts: constructing and managing hybrid masculinity’ (NORMA, 2017): https://doi.org/10.1080/18902138.2017.1341768 'Research on men, masculinities and migration: past, present and future’ (NORMA, 2019): https://doi.org/10.1080/18902138.2019.1622058 ‘Boyz2Men: Male migrants’ attitudes to homosexuality and what age has to do with it’ (Boyhood Studies, 2020): https://doi.org/10.3167/bhs.2020.130205 ‘Understanding migrant masculinities through a spatially intersectional lens (Men and Masculinities, 2021)’: https://doi.org/10.1177/1097184X20986224 ‘Hegemonic masculinity: Rethinking the concept’ (Connell and Messerschmidt, Gender and Society, 2005): https://doi.org/10.1177/0891243205278639‘Hybrid masculinities: New directions in the sociology of men and masculinities’ (Bridges and Pascoe, Sociology Compass, 2014): https://doi.org/10.1111/soc4.12134 ‘Suella Braverman condemned for suggesting 100 million migrants could come to UK’ (The Independent, 8th March 2023): https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/suella-braverman-asylum-small-boats-inflammatory-b2295776.html

War and militarism often play a central role in the construction of dominant, ‘desirable’ ideas about masculinity. So what happens when men refuse to take part in the militarisation of society, and become conscientious objectors? Dr Demet Aslı Çaltekin has researched this with people who have conscientiously objected against compulsory military service in Turkey. We were planning to interview Demet before the horrific earthquakes in Turkey and Syria took place, and she very kindly agreed to speak to us about the impact and response, amidst the mixture of emotions that many feel at present. Whilst the main focus of media and popular attention is rightly on the disaster and its aftermath, it is also an opportunity to highlight some of the other complex issues at the heart of Turkish society. We therefore talk with her not only about her research on militarism, but also how the feminist movement in Turkey has been creatively campaigning against femicide and violence against women.Demet is an Assistant Professor in Criminal Law and Criminal Justice in the Law School at Durham University. She has recently written a book called ‘Conscientious Objection in Turkey: A Socio-legal Analysis of the Right to Refuse Military Service’, published by Edinburgh University Press.Find out more about Demet’s research: https://www.durham.ac.uk/staff/demet-a-caltekin/Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DemetCaltekinOrder her book, and save 30% with the discount code NEW30: https://edinburghuniversitypress.com/book-conscientious-objection-in-turkey.htmlRead her 2022 article, ‘Women’s organisations’ role in (re)constructing the narratives in femicide cases: Şule Çet’s case’: https://doi.org/10.3390/laws11010012Please consider donating to organisations in Turkey/Syria undertaking relief efforts in response to the earthquakes: UK Disasters Emergency Committee: https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/turkey-syria-earthquake-appealTurkish Red Crescent: https://www.ifrc.org/article/turkiye-and-syria-earthquakes-ifrc-response-dateINARA – International Network for Aid and Assistance: https://inara.orgWhite Helmets Syria: https://www.whitehelmets.org/en/In this episode we cover the following topics:The impact of the earthquakesThe relief efforts and the national and international responseWhat military service in Turkey involvesWhat led Demet to do this research, and think differently about militarisationThe conscientious objectors who took part in her research and their motivationsHow Turkish society responds to people who conscientiously objectThe right to conscientious objection, and its legal and social consequencesHow militarism and nationalism fit into Turkish historyWhat militarism and refusing to participate in it has to do with masculinityHow and why Turkish women engage in conscientious objectionParallels with militarism in British societyThe value of a socio-legal approach, and working to change the lawThe war in Ukraine and refusing to fightFemicide in Turkey and the feminist movement’s response Challenges facing women’s civil society organisations in TurkeyThe Turkish government’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, and backlash against gender equalityFurther reading/listening:Cynthia Enloe’s 2016 book, ‘Globalization and Militarism: Feminists Make the Link’: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781442265455/Globalization-and-Militarism-Feminists-Make-the-Link-Second-EditionNow and Men episode 11 with Prof Paul Higate, ‘Militarism and Military Masculinities: Why Do They Matter?’: https://now-and-men.captivate.fm/episode/paul-higateNow and Men episode 8 with Prof Bob Pease, ‘Masculinities, Climate Change, and Men’s Relationships with Nature’: https://now-and-men.captivate.fm/episode/climate-change

What can a historical and global perspective teach us about feminism and gender relations? How have men engaged with women's movements over the course of their history in the UK and beyond? And how have anti-sexist men dealt with the challenging questions feminists raise about our emotional and sexual lives within patriarchy? These are some of the questions Professor Lucy Delap has explored in her fascinating research.Please note that this conversation features some discussion of sexual violence, in particular between minutes 32 and 39.Lucy is a Professor in Modern British and Gender History at the University of Cambridge, where she is a Fellow of Murray Edwards College. Her research has principally focused on the history of feminism, and in 2020 she published the book ‘Feminisms: A Global History’. Lucy has also worked extensively in labour history, with a focus on the intersections of gender, class and disability. She helped create the ‘Unbecoming Men’ and ‘The Business of Women’s Words’ oral history collections at the British Library. She and colleagues were awarded the Royal Historical Society Public History Prize in 2018 for their work on child sexual abuse. Find out more about her work here: https://www.hist.cam.ac.uk/people/prof-lucy-delap, and follow her on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/suff66.In this episode we explore the following topics: What a historical perspective brings to our understanding of feminism, gender, and masculinities (00:42 - 02:47)How we can study the history of people’s intimate lives and the ‘private sphere’ (02:47 - 04:21)What led Lucy to become involved in studying gender, feminist history, and men’s responses to it (04:21 - 09:11)Lucy’s research on men who became involved in anti-sexist activism in the UK in the wake of the Women’s Liberation Movement of the 1970s/80s (09:11 - 14:21)Why the nature of men’s pro-feminist political organising has changed over time (14:21 - 18:02)How and why the ‘men’s movement’ splintered off into different directions (e.g. mythopoetic and ‘men’s rights’ activism) (18:02 - 23:52)Why issues of emotion, such as guilt and shame, are so important in understanding men’s engagements with feminism (23:52 - 33:45)Men reflecting on and reconfiguring their ‘sex lives’ and the male gaze in response to feminist activism against sexual violence (33:45 - 43:48)The value of adopting a global perspective on feminist movements (43:48 - 49:25)Lucy reads from her book ‘Feminisms’ about the work of Nigerian feminist activist Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (49:25 - 55:07)Further reading:Lucy’s book, ‘Feminisms: A Global History’ (Penguin, 2020) - https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/305361/feminisms-by-delap-lucy/9780141985985Information about Lucy’s ‘Unbecoming Men’ British Library project - https://www.bl.uk/womens-rights/articles/male-allies and https://www.bl.uk/sisterhood/articles/mens-reponses-to-womens-liberationLucy’s article, ‘Rethinking rapes: Men’s sex lives and feminist critiques’ in Contemporary British History (2022) - https://doi.org/10.1080/13619462.2022.2051489Lucy’s article ‘Feminism, masculinities and emotional politics in the late twentieth century’ in Cultural and Social History (2018) - https://doi.org/10.1080/14780038.2018.1518560‘30 years of the Child Support Act’ (UK Parliament, 2021) - https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/30-years-of-the-child-support-act/Berger, J. (1972) Ways of Seeing. London: BBC and Penguin Books.Butler, J. (2006) Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity. London: Routledge.Roper, M. (2005) Slipping out of View: Subjectivity and Emotion in Gender History (in History Workshop Journal).Roper, M. and Tosh, J. (1991) Manful Assertions: Masculinities in Britain since 1800. London: Routledge. Segal, L. (1990) Slow Motion: Changing Masculinities, Changing Men, London: Virago.Smith, H. (2015) Masculinity, Class and Same-Sex Desire in Industrial England, 1895-1957. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.Tosh, J. (1999) A Man’s Place: Masculinity and the Middle-Class Home in Victorian England. London: Yale University Press.If you have been affected by sexual violence, information and support is available from Rape Crisis: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/

For over 10 years, Beyond Equality have been engaging with young men in the UK to give them a chance to reflect on who they want to be, and how they can help create safer and more inclusive communities. This was originally through two different organisations: the Good Lad Initiative in universities and Great Men in schools. Since then they have become Beyond Equality, and now work with men and boys in a range of different settings and communities across the UK. Dan Guinness, the Managing Director, was one of the founders - he talks to us about the journey the organisation has been on, and what they have learnt about how to engage men and boys in transformative conversations about issues such as gender equality, relationships, violence against women, and mental health.Dan has an academic background, holding a PhD in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Oxford. He discusses with us some of the fascinating findings from his research on the links between sport, masculinity, global economic inequalities and neo-liberalism, and how this is embodied in the current Qatar 2022 men’s football World Cup. In addition, he explores the possibilities for healthy and inclusive environments to be created within sport, and his own powerful story of how he came to be involved in gender equality work.  You can find out more about Beyond Equality at: https://www.beyondequality.orgTwitter: https://twitter.com/beyond_equalityInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond_equality/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyondequality1Follow Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danguinness/We cover the following topics in this episode: Dan’s personal journey of getting involved in issues of gender equality, masculinity and violence preventionThe extent to which egalitarian, non-violent cultures can be created in sportHow the rise of neoliberalism since the 1980s together with ‘breadwinner’ expectations have pressured young men in the Global South to become involved in professional sportHow Beyond Equality started and has changed over time, and the work it’s doing nowThe importance of good quality facilitation in work with men and boysHow Beyond Equality evaluate the impact of their work Future plans, including a new project with Movember about men’s mental health and collective resilience (more info: https://www.beyondequality.org/blog-posts/announcement-collective-resilience-in-community-settings-project-funded-by-movember) How debates in the UK about masculinity and violence against women have shifted in recent years, and what still needs to change at the policy levelMore information:You can access much of Dan’s research here: https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Daniel-Guinness-2126813915Besnier, N., Calabrò, D.G. and Guinness, D. (eds) (2021) Sport, Migration, and Gender in the Neoliberal Age. Abingdon: Routledge. https://www.routledge.com/Sport-Migration-and-Gender-in-the-Neoliberal-Age/Besnier-Calabro-Guinness/p/book/9781138390652Besnier, N., Guinness, D., Hann, M. and Kovac, U. (2018) Rethinking masculinity in the neoliberal order: Cameroonian footballers, Fijian rugby players, and Senegalese wrestlers. Comparative Studies in Society and History, 60(4): 839–872. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0010417518000312Jackson, D. (1990) Unmasking Masculinity: A Critical Autobiography. London: Unwin. https://www.routledge.com/Unmasking-Masculinity-Routledge-Revivals-A-Critical-Autobiography/Jackson/p/book/9781138808713

Gary Barker has been a trailblazer in the field of men and masculinities for over thirty years. He is the co-founder and CEO of Equimundo (formerly known as Promundo-US and Instituto Promundo), which does a wide range of innovative work and research with men and boys for gender justice across the globe. We explore his own personal story of how he came to be involved in efforts against violence and for gender equality, and how his own ‘journey’ overlaps with the development of the organisations he has led. As well as hearing from Gary about some of the exciting current elements of this work, we discuss the political turbulence in the United States (where he is based) and Brazil (where he has lived for over fifteen years) in the midst of elections in the two countries. Gary also shares with us his experience of writing fiction, and the conversation ends with him reading a passage from his novel ‘The Museum of Lost Love’.Find out more about Equimundo and follow them on social media via https://equimundo.orgOn 8th November 2022 the Global Boyhood Initiative launched a report called ‘The State of UK Boys’ - read it here: https://boyhoodinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/State-of-UK-Boys-Long-Report.pdf (pdf)Watch the launch event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efxq6M9ESAMFind out more about Gary’s fiction writing: https://garytbarker.comWe discuss the following topics in the episode:How Gary became involved in working on issues of masculinity, violence and gender equality in the first placeGary’s PhD in Developmental Psychology, which researched young men’s experiences of growing up in societies with high levels of violence, and led to the book ‘Dying to be Men’ (more info:https://www.routledge.com/Dying-to-be-Men-Youth-Masculinity-and-Social-Exclusion/Barker/p/book/9780415337755#)The history of Equimundo, and how Gary’s personal story maps onto thatThe International Men and Gender Equality Survey (IMAGES) survey and generational shifts that can be observed from itThe Global Boyhood Initiative – a collaboration with the Kering Foundation, Gillette, Plan International, and Meghan Markle (the Duchess of Sussex) and her new podcast ArchetypesCaring masculinities, the MenCare global fatherhood campaign, and why caregiving is such an important part of engaging with men and boys The political turmoil in the United States surrounding the midterm elections - from the attack on Capitol Hill, to the rolling back of abortion rights, to the ever-increasing toll of gun violenceConnections with the masculinist right-wing populism of the Bolsonaro government in BrazilThe four fiction books Gary has written and how they connect to his other workGary reads out and reflects on a passage from his novel ‘The Museum of Lost Love’ (2019), which is influenced by a real museum, the Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb (more info: https://www.worldeditions.org/product/the-museum-of-lost-love/) More information:The Global Boyhood Initiative: https://boyhoodinitiative.orgLifting Limits are the organisation delivering the Global Boyhood Initiative in the UK: https://liftinglimits.org.uk/2022/05/gbiuk_launch/The MenCare global fatherhood campaign: https://men-care.orgThe International Men and Gender Equality Survey (IMAGES): https://www.menandgendersurvey.orgResearch with the Geena Davis Institute on representations of masculinity in boys’ television: https://www.equimundo.org/resources/if-he-can-see-it-will-he-be-it-representations-of-masculinity-in-boys-television/Article by Gary, Stephen and Sandy for the journal Men and Masculinities on ‘Covid-19 and Masculinities in Global Perspective’: https://doi.org/10.1177/1097184X21100038The Equimundo report by Sandy and Stephen which influenced it: https://www.equimundo.org/resources/masculinities-and-covid-19-making-the-connections/A couple of times, Gary refers to ‘Raewyn’ – this is Prof Raewyn Connell, who we interviewed in episode 12: https://now-and-men.captivate.fm/episode/raewyn-connell

In this special 20th episode, Sandy and Stephen reflect on the year since we started Now and Men, and our experience of running the podcast so far. The episode was recorded live at a workshop at a conference called 'Boys at the Crossroads – Insights and Innovations in Young Masculinities', organised by Bristol Young Men’s Network in the UK on 14th October 2022. We discuss why we set the podcast up in the first place, what it has achieved thus far, and the role that podcasts and other media can play in engaging with men and boys about gender equality and influencing constructions of masculinity. In the second half of the episode, we also respond to a range of questions from the workshop participants.The conversation was facilitated by Yaz Brien, who’s involved in Bristol Young Men’s Network, and has worked across the frontlines of homelessness, mental health, drug and alcohol recovery and domestic abuse, as well as on community reuse and nature-based projects. They’ve also been involved in grassroots organising and activism across multiple continents, including in worker, housing and community cooperatives. Many thanks to Yaz and the workshop participants for their brilliant contributions! If you would like to put a question or comment to us to discuss in a future episode, do contact us at nowandmen@gmail.com. Yaz is involved in the Transition Network: https://transitionnetwork.org/people/yaz-brien/, and has previously been a presenter on Ujima Radio, Bristol's Black-led community radio station: https://www.ujimaradio.comFind out more about Bristol Young Men's Network: https://www.facebook.com/BristolYMN/. In the episode we also mention talks at the conference by Lewis Wedlock: https://www.lewiswedlock.com, and Nate Eisenstadt: https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/en/persons/nathan-eisenstadt We discuss the following topics:Why we set up Now and MenWhat we wanted to achieve with the podcast, and how successful it's been so farThe response we've received, and what we know about Now and Men's audienceWhat's particularly excited us from the guests we've spoken to far, in relation to the conference theme of young masculinitiesHow to have conversations about masculinity without creating further polarisationWhat the role of feminism is in the podcastHow podcasts differ from other mediums and forms of engagementWhat we've learnt from the process and how it's changed usAdvice for others looking to start a podcastWho we have in our mind's eye when creating the podcastWith the following questions from participants:How skills from academia can help with setting up a podcastHow universities don't always provide welcoming environments for disadvantaged studentsConnections between the diversity of our guestsHow to deal with the limitations of what a podcast can achieveShould we strive for 'healthy masculinity', or seek to move away from it altogether?Difficulties with challenging gender stereotypes as parentsHow a historical perspective can help us understand how gender is constructed