Why Feminism is for men too – Men Talk Feminism

It is our common society - and thus gender justice should naturally be our common concern (just as it is the concern of all of us to eliminate discrimination on the basis of ethnicity or religion etc.). To say that feminism is irrelevant ... yes, basically to say that one is not a feminist means that one accepts and approves of patriarchal power relations and restrictions based on role models. In this respect, the question is rather: Why does someone think that feminism could be irrelevant for them?

Where to start? Gender stereotypes and traditional male socialisation ultimately cause men to lose contact with their feelings, their inner impulses, their worries and needs, but also longings and desires - which per se already makes one more susceptible to psychological and physical problems and also often manifests itself in unsatisfactory relationships (with women, other men, our children and above all ourselves) or in increased addiction and suicide rates. Or to put it more succinctly: Liberation from the constant pressure to be the superman! Isn't that enough?

I think I've always suffered from gender stereotypes, even as a boy, but until I started studying psychology I don't think I even knew what feminism was. But then it only took a few books and a few conversations with fellow feminist students - and it was clear to me that this was "my movement" ... and it has always remained so for the last 30 years: my life, my work, my mission.

How men and women relate surely relevant to us all. And improving that. Thus better understanding. More equality. More fairness. It's very complicated though and can seem like a threat or like giving a lot up. Or losing identity...

Better outcomes for all. Stronger relationships. More happiness. Better state of being. What type of man wants to be in a dominant one-sided relationship built around himself. What type of man doesn't want to learn how to and enjoy cooking or take his share of domestic chores or have a downtrodden partner not allowed to realise her potential.

Always. Though some periods more than other as - arguably- goes the fashion. I was a feminist in theory in the Loaded Magazine era. There are also some areas of feminism that are harder to side with or understand or appear more extreme. Feminism is a broad term and quite nuanced in its theories or implementation. Men aren't to blame for everything and the world's problems wouldn't be solved by removing men from the equation or exclusively women in power. Also societal wrongs take time to change.

Feminism is relevant to because when I let go of my traditional views of masculinity and my obsession with meeting the criteria, I was able to finally figure out who I actually was. I was able to figure out MY OWN identity instead of "Buff, Sports, Cars, Wrestling" dad I was able to become the "Kid safe, responsible, community oriented, caring/compassionate." Man I was always meant to be. It took the burden of doing phenomenal in life right off of my shoulders and I was able to look inside and see my own ambitions and goals and set myself on a realistic and ambition filled path as opposed to the "super worker, extremely strong, cold" parent that I and so many of you young man had/have.

It has allowed me to leave the hamster wheel that is meeting the masculine criteria. It has allowed me to be comfortable in my own skin. I don't have to go to sleep thinking about losing weight or doing more than expected, or giving giving giving without receiving. It has allowed me to set NECCESARY boundaries in friendships and relationships.

I never truly knew what it was until more recently when I decided to check and realized it was a party that I personally resonated with already, feminism just put my thoughts into words and that is what let me know that I am a feminist. Give feminism a try. Read about it first so you don't feel like an imposter. It benefits young/old men just as much as it benefits any other marginalized group.

I have two sisters, had a mother, and have nieces, as well as a number female friends and colleagues. Feminism and supporting women's rights is therefore absolutely at the forefront of my life. Why wouldn't it be for any man? If it wasn't I would need to question my own values and morals. I want the very best for the women I know just as I want the very best for the men I know. Unequal relationships, in the worse case scenario, can lead to an abuse of power, which I have seen first-hand. So my view is that it's relevance is staring all men in the face. Men need to take responsibility to fight inequality and the oppression of women in all forms, and that includes casual sexism, misogyny, and negative views of women in general. How can equality be achieved if men don't play their part and advocate for women's rights.

When men embrace feminism, i.e. feminist thinking, then their relationship with their partner and women in general, will benefit from the mutual growth that an equal relationship brings, and helps to develop better communication, shared responsibilities and avoids the outdated view of the 'man of the household'. Which ultimately leads to a more fulfilled relationship. But it's equally important in a work environment, to ensure men and women are on an equal footing, avoiding resentment and creating a fair and level playing field. It also helps to remove the expectations often put on men from an early age, to be the breadwinner, to be the man of the house. Equality therefore leads to happier, healthier relationships, which will invariably benefit men.

Not to the same level I do now. I've become far more aware through life experience, age - seeing the negative effects of sexism, misogyny, inequality in the work place. It's made it obvious to me that to educate/teach our younger generation about feminism is of paramount importance, so that old/outdated views of women are not allowed to fester/develop. I've also seen the recent push-back against feminism from various groups, and I think that needs to be addressed and opposed by men, i.e. to take the time to explain to a friend or colleague who suggests that "feminism has gone too far", for example, why they are wrong. This has strengthened my stance on feminism and my desire to fight/argue against any anti-feminist rhetoric.

men are the leading perpetrators of violence, especially gbv, and patriarchy is the source of gender inequalities. by following and practising feminist principles and methodologies, not only can men stop violence and inequalities but also they become better individuals, partners, fathers, and colleagues.

when men finally raise awareness and take action about gender inequalities and when they learn from women ans lgbti, they can help to stop violence ana inequalities and make better role models for future generations.

not exactly, up until my mid 30s, i was an average man, partly conscious about inequalites but unable to recognize how much i am part of the problem. by talking to my feminist friends and critically assessing my own behaviors, i came to think that men must be a part of the solution, too.