Gender Positive Masculinity: Case Study of Men's Involvement in Promoting Positive Masculinities
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51137/wrp.ijarbm.960Keywords:
Positive Masculinity, Gender-Based Violence, Gender Equality, Hegemonic Masculinity, Violence Prevention, Gender-Transformative InterventionsAbstract
Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pervasive global challenge and a significant barrier to achieving gender equality and sustainable development. Research increasingly highlights the relationship between harmful constructions of masculinity and the normalization of violence against women. Yet, limited attention has been given to men's involvement as allies in prevention efforts. This study examines men's perspectives and participation in promoting positive masculinity as a transformative strategy to reduce GBV. Using a qualitative research design, primary data were collected through 10 semi-structured face-to-face interviews and 20 telephonic interviews with male participants, complemented by secondary literature from scholarly publications. An interpretive descriptive design guided the exploration of participants' experiences and opinions, while discourse and thematic analysis were employed to interpret the findings. The results reveal that economic pressures, cultural expectations, emotional suppression, father absence, and perceived marginalization significantly shape male identity crises and contribute to violence. However, participants also recognized the value of positive masculinity rooted in empathy, accountability, emotional expression, equality, and non-violence. The findings demonstrate strong support for community-based mentorship, early intervention, and inclusive policy frameworks that engage men as partners rather than adversaries in gender transformation. The study concludes that positive masculinity initiatives hold substantial potential to challenge harmful social norms, disrupt intergenerational cycles of violence, and contribute to building safer and more equitable societies. The paper recommends integrating emotional health, economic empowerment, and fatherhood support into GBV prevention policies, alongside sustained multi-sector collaborations.
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