----- Original Message -----
From: "alex scott-samuel" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 4:17 PM
Subject: The elephant in the room
Hi. I wonder if, like me, you believe we inhabit a world in
which most (individual and collective) negative experiences can
in some way be traced back to the influence of so-called
hegemonic masculinity (hm). By hm I mean the currently globally
dominant form of masculinity stereotypically characterised by
toughness, aggressiveness, competitiveness, excessive
risk-taking, and suppression of emotions (and also of course by
strength, courage, leadership, practicality and
protectiveness). In my view this psychosocial construct -
whether inherited, socialised or probably both - creates the
power inequalities, beliefs, attitudes and behaviours which
underlie much of the burden of human suffering, locally and
globally.
The attractive thing about hm from a public health perspective
is that it can be viewed as a preventable disease. In principle,
whether or not these traits are inherited or socialised, truly
gender-equitable parenting and socialisation, both individually
and at the level of culture and public policy, could create a
patriarchy-free, gender-equitable society.
Obviously I'm not naïve and I understand that this is utopian:
however, the fact that it is feasible in principle gives us a
goal towards which to work. This work is obviously required at
different levels, whether they be individualistic as in
gender-equitable parenting, sociopolitical as in
gender-equitable (pre)school education policies, or
institutional as in targeted action to challenge the teachings
and practices of the religions which are the key global
institutions sustaining patriarchy.
In a couple of weeks time I'll be contributing to a synthesis of
the knowledge accumulated in the last two years by the WHO
Commission on Social Detrerminants of Health and its Knowledge
Networks. My belief is that the considerable progressive
energies and resources put into the work of the Commission will
fail if it does not address the issues to which I have referred.
I would be very interested in your thoughts on how - in the real
world of global public policy - the Commission might engage in a
meaningful way with the globally endemic public health disaster
created by hegemonic masculinity.
I'd be grateful if you would copy any replies to me
([log in to unmask]) as well as to the list
Best wishes, Alex Scott-Samuel
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