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New resource supports positive behaviour among boys and men
A new resource that gives leaders, designers and facilitators of programs for men and boys the opportunity to strengthen principles of gender and social justice within their programs was launched on 14 July. The Working with Men and Boys for Social Justice Assessment Tool was developed by Professor Amanda Keddie, Professor Michael Flood, Shelley Hewson-Munro, Maria Delaney, and Associate Professor Anna Halahoff as part of a project that evaluated existing community-based programs designed to support young men to adopt positive behaviours.
The problem of gendered violence has led to an increase in the number of community-based programs designed to support men and boys to adopt more respectful and inclusive attitudes and behaviours. While most programs are positive in supporting these goals, they can differ markedly in their political approach ranging from intersectional, critical and feminist-informed, to an uncritical celebration of essentialised maleness. These different approaches can have varying implications for social cohesion and social justice.
The Working with Men and Boys for Social Justice Assessment Tool recognises that support and work with men and boys can create cultural change for gender and social justice by providing them with the knowledge and skills to engage with themselves and others in respectful and caring ways.
Presenters at the launch included community practitioners Robert Ah-Hoon (Men’s Wellbeing Inc and the Common Ground Program), Shaan Ross-Smith and Dean Cooper (MATE program, Griffith University), and Dr Brodie Evans (YFS). They reflected on the Tool’s value and significance for their work.
You can access the Tool and find out more about the project: https://redi.deakin.edu.au/projects/issues-of-masculinity-and-social-cohesion-a-critical-review-of-programs-for-young-men/
From left to right: Michael Flood, Amanda Keddie, Shaan Ross-Smith, Robert Ah-Hoon, Brodie Evans, Dean Cooper, Maria Delaney and Shelley Hewson-Munro
