A Relational-Cultural Framework for Promoting Healthy Masculinities
A Relational-Cultural Framework for Promoting Healthy Masculinities
Project Summary
A conceptual framework is presented to combat the harmful socialization of boys and men. The framework is rooted in relational-cultural theory, which posits interpersonal and sociocultural disconnections as a primary source of suffering, with connection being a source of growth and healing (Jordan, 2017). Dominant masculine socialization prevents men from developing healthy connections to others and has cascading harmful effects on their lives. Experiences in growth-fostering relationships of empathy, mutuality, and empowerment can help boys and men reject hegemonic relational dynamics and promote human capacities for vulnerability, connection, and compassion into healthy and flexible ways of being men in the world.
Approach
Development and application of theoretical framework
Insights
Boys and men can be empowered through their connections with others that help them form a sense of self that is not contingent on meeting standards of hypermasculinity. Such connections can inform interventions to engage boys in school to foster social emotional capacities for mutuality and listening, engage men in interpersonal process groups, and promoting men’s sustained social action toward violence prevention.