More than ever, men are recognising that the old scripts of masculinity can hurt them, and the people around them. There are a lot of 'rules' out there telling men how to be. Rules like, "you have to be tough", "you have to be the breadwinner", "you can’t show fear or sadness", "you always have to be in control".
These assumptions can drive men’s use of violence against partners, families, children and others. They also negatively impact the health and wellbeing of men and boys.
But most men know masculinity can be so much more than the 'rules', even if they don't always talk about it.
By creating space for these conversations in your prevention activities, you can highlight how some gender roles can be harmful, and how they can be challenged in safe and supportive ways.
Learn more:
- What Kind of Man Do You Want to Be? – Respect Victoria
- What Kind of Man Do You Want to Be? campaign background – Respect Victoria
- Rethinking the 'rules' of masculinity – Respect Victoria
- Willing, Capable and Confident – Respect Victoria
- The Man Box 2024 – Jesuit Social Services
- Gender Stereotypes – The Line
- Masculinities and health – VicHealth
- Challenging gender stereotypes in the early years: the power of parents report – Our Watch
- Support for men who use violence to change their behaviour – No To Violence