The MENS Society, aimed at promoting a positive male gender identity, is the first group of its kind for Unis in the UK and has attracted much attention. In case you've not heard of the MENS Society at Man Uni please refer to the aptly named
facebook group. The page contains press coverage courtesy of creator Ben Wild from the BBC, Guardian, Daily Mail, Times Online, Evening News...the list goes on.
The MENS Society Constitution:
The MENS Society’s aims and goals in detail;
To encourage a positive male gender identity. We believe that, because gender identity is largely socially constructed, it is important to shape this social construct into one that is beneficial for all in society. To do this, as broad a spectrum of individuals as possible is encouraged to provide input into the gender identity. No minority can be ignored and no majority can be favoured.
To encourage the acquisition of practical skills, regardless of society’s perceptions of their feminine or masculine associations. Traditionally feminine skills such as cookery and stitching will be encouraged and taught, as well as traditionally masculine activities such as DIY and bike repair. These activities shall be open to all, thereby countering the thus far gendered nature of these activities.
To fundraise and raise awareness about male health issues. These will primarily take the shape of prostate and testicular cancer, but will also aim to include campaigns on male depression and heart disease.
To raise awareness of issues facing men in society. These include the under funding of research into male health, the under reported issues of male domestic abuse, male rape, violence towards men on the street, feelings of inadequacy over body shape and image, issues regarding child custody, as well as social stigma towards men in traditionally feminine occupations such as nursing, and the suspicion with which men are viewed when applying for jobs that involve young children.
To educate members on the history and perceptions of masculinity. It is only through learning that the dispelling of both stereotypes and gender mythology can occur. The MENS Society aims to do this in a practical way, through lectures and film showings.
To create a volunteer base for male to male counselling and mentoring, in order to alleviate the current shortage of such volunteers in the community.
To hopefully work closely with both the Riveters and the LGBT society on issues relating to those two groups.
*Wordy exposition of personal opinion disclaimer*
As a member of both the feminist collective, the Riveters, and the MENS Society, I am quite pleased with the development of this group, subsequent interest and even- dare I say- controversy it has incited.
The opportunity to discuss gender and engage in meaningful dialogue between conflicting viewpoints whilst providing educational events free to the public is a much preferred situation and overrides the restrictive backlash. The formation of this group is in no way counter to the women's rights movement and indeed offers complimentary support in the way of men supporting women by examining their own gendered selves. The society does not seek to take power away from Feminist groups. Instead it offers up a complimentary and essential counterpart necessary to achieving actualized equity for all. Many similar groups attempting to foster a positive male identity have sprung up in places like Oxford as young men become increasingly disillusioned by oppressive forces in patriarchy and capitalism. Surely it requires greater strength of character to admit to humanness and thus, infallibility than it does to mask one's self behind a masquerade of tired chauvinistic antics.
There will be those who contend that masculism is the appropriate response to third wave feminism by claiming that male power is a myth and in some instances it is women who are the oppressors. Let's not get into an argument of victimhood, Dr. Warren Farrell. In no way can one make a legitimate argument against the systematic discrimination of women without denying history, nor the fact that for most parts of the world, the women's movement has yet to enter consciousness. Pop theorists, such as Farrell, fail to see that in fact constrictive gender roles disadvantage both women and men alike by robbing them of their individuality and freedom of expression. Most of the ills inflicted upon men are a product of social hierarchy and inequity inherent in capitalistic societies. Yes, you ain't no fortunate son but that is not your mother's fault...it is The Man's (pardon the reductionistic rendition).
That being said, the "female way" is not the best nor the only way. There are certainly aspects the current world would do well to endorse that come from traditionally more feminine values and traits. We can select those things which advance us as a society and leave behind the rest. For instance, speaking in population means that invariably focus on slight differences in averages as opposed to looking at the overwhelming overlapping of the genders on various measures, girls are more prone to exhibit social aggression versus the physical aggression of boys. Neither are desirable. The frustration felt by those who've been made to feel inferior and denied their individuality and humanity contributes in part to a reaction formation whereby social power is conferred through misplaced aggressive reparative means. For an illustration of this, see the repercussions of Russia's economic crisis in the 70's and the subsequent increase in violence and hostility towards women as the male dominated labour industry collapsed. Men's interests are directly related to women's interests as they reflect the human interest to be treated as an individual.
On a related note, I've created an
online resource guide for young men for the society as support services coordinator. Disperse freely!
Peas :)
