Conclusion

One of the most pertinent tools in creating social change in this instance might belong in the power of critical pedagogy. Education on matters of privilege and oppression is crucial, and is an area of public education that is sorely lacking. By showing students how their actions, behaviours, beliefs, and so on connect to larger cultural ideas, power structures, and dominant ideologies, students can really begin to challenge those beliefs and change them. For young men, this could be a particularly useful tool in showing how certain behaviours connect to dominance and oppression, and from there empathy training can begin to take place. Though critically pedagogy has been traditionally used as a means to shed light on oppressed students, there is room here for reflection and “unlearning” (perhaps even more so) for the privileged classes that do not realize, without reflection, how unquestioned behaviours reproduce power structures and dominance.

But it is not just about corrective behaviour either. The education sphere can also provide a space for young men to speak openly and freely on matters weighing upon the mind. Indeed, even just creating such a space challenges this kind of hyper masculinity – it shows men that it is okay and acceptable to express themselves and that it is not a sign of weakness or vulnerability.

As mentioned in the documentary “Tough Guise”, there is room for greater inclusion in the culture at large. A grassroots style movement could have a big impact on culture at large, and it is in everyone’s best interests to understand these issues and become aware of the kinds of behaviours society is instilling in its men, and the messages of violence and aggression they are repeatedly being told are “acceptable” and “manly”. Women too can have a place in this cultural shift by helping to alleviate the stigma around men expressing themselves emotionally and by being accepting of men in non-traditionally masculine career paths such as counselling, childcare, teaching, or even just the stay at home dads.

To bring focus back onto Kimmels’ studies of masculinities, men may very well be in a bit of a collective identity crisis. The shifting cultural trends, everything from neoliberal policy eroding social safety nets and workers’ rights, a crumbling economy, longer lifespans and the push women have been making with feminism has left men feeling adrift at sea. In some cases, this has caused men to put their back up against the wall and adopt extreme, maladaptive behaviours that often entail misogynistic views, dominant, aggressive, and sometimes violent behaviours, drug and alcohol abuse, and perhaps in some ways the saddest of all, men have become emotionally deadened, afraid that any emotionality will be perceived as vulnerability.

There is hope, however. Strengthening the economy is a good place to start by throwing away the old ideas of failing neoliberal politics and trickle down economic theory. On a broader cultural level, bringing awareness to others that the passage to adulthood is getting longer and is more difficult to navigate than ever, but that this isn’t necessarily a bad thing (as they say, not all who wander are lost). For specifically men, a cultural movement that embraces change could do much good. Understanding that greater equality for women is good for both men and women, not just one side. It means throwing off the pressure of having to be the sole breadwinner and the tremendous pressure that brings, not always having to be confident, assertive, stoic, and in control. This cultural shift could begin in early school years, with empathy training and social issue awareness education. Men should be encouraged to pursue careers that are not considered traditionally masculine, like counselling, childcare, and teaching. As men do their part, so too can society begin to change and assist this shift, by dropping the stigma around men being emotionally expressive, understanding that men can be nurturers such as stay at home fathers. Once these pushes begin, change is not only possible, but inevitable. If history has shown anything, it is the sheer fluidity of changing gender roles across time and space, and armed with this knowledge, society can take the reins and help steer the direction of advancement to a positive and healthy outcome. 

Word Count: 3,513