By: Heather Shea W*SS Director & Harsna Chahal W*SS Sexual and Reproductive Health Intern
Last week, Dr. Keith Edwards, author of the book Unmasking: Toward Authentic Masculinity was the keynote speaker at the Student Activism Symposium. Over 500 people gathered in Wells Hall and listened to him speak and also attended workshops on the topic of masculinity. We co-presented a session with the title “Why Authentic Masculinity is a Feminist Issue.”
In this short “Thought of the Day” we’d like to make the case for our office’s continued involvement in conversations about masculinity because we believe that if gender equity is to be achieved, it’s going to take all of us – not just women – to dismantle patriarchy.
Authentic Masculinity is defined by Keith Edwards as a personal journey that empowers individuals who identify as men to define for themselves what it means to embody masculinity genuinely. This definition, rooted in self-discovery and autonomy, aligns seamlessly with bell hooks' assertion that feminism is a struggle against the pervasive ideology of domination inherent in Western culture.
At its core, patriarchy is a social system where men, as a social group, hold positions of dominance and privilege. This system, as defined by feminist theory, extends beyond individual actions to encompass broader societal structures where men collectively exert power over women and children. The result? A stifling environment where the expectations imposed by dominant cultural norms intersect with patriarchal values to perpetuate systemic harm.
The equation is clear: Patriarchy + Dominant Culture's Expectations of Men = societal harms, oppression of women and trans folks, placing some men above other men, limiting men's relationships, and undermining men's wellbeing. In this equation, the oppression of women and trans individuals is intricately linked to the restrictive roles imposed on men, creating a cycle of harm that perpetuates gender inequality for all.
What we find to be interesting in this conversation is how some women might undermine both feminism and authentic masculinity and perpetuate patriarchy by internalizing patriarchal beliefs and norms. This internalization leads them to adhere to traditional gender roles and expectations, prioritizing the needs of men over their own, and conforming to societal standards of femininity that reinforce male dominance. Additionally, they may actively participate in enforcing gender norms by perpetuating stereotypes, criticizing those who deviate from traditional expectations, and pressuring men to conform to narrow definitions of masculinity. Women in positions of power may also gatekeep patriarchal structures, failing to challenge systemic sexism and prioritizing the interests of men over those of women. Moreover, some women may contribute to the perpetuation of gender-based violence, engage in objectification, and reproduce patriarchal narratives through cultural practices that uphold male dominance and female subordination. Finally, resistance to feminist progress by some women can hinder efforts to challenge patriarchal structures and promote gender equality.
By reframing Authentic Masculinity as a feminist issue, we acknowledge its potential to dismantle the systems of oppression that perpetuate gender inequality. In celebrating diverse expressions of masculinity and rejecting the constraints of patriarchal norms, we pave the way for a future where all individuals are free to define themselves on their own terms, regardless of gender. In essence, Authentic Masculinity becomes not only a personal journey but a collective endeavor towards a more equitable and inclusive society.