Summarising feminist men: challenges and impact on masculinity in the modern era
Abstract
Some interpretations of feminism theorise that men are inherently oppressive and that women are always victims. Feminist men sometimes adopt this attitude. Whilst feminist men can appear as working to create a more just and equitable world for all people, certain feminist men do not lend support to male issues. These men can adversely affect other men, causing them to struggle romantically, physically, or emotionally. A will to prioritize one sex over the other can have severe consequences for both men and women, giving rise to a society that lacks trust and empathy for all, providing a fertile breeding space for the sex-shaming conversations and discontent among the sexes we see today.
Keywords: feminist men, gender politics, male, masculinity, sex-shaming
Author Biography
Matthew Shaw is from London, UK. He holds an MA in Social Policy and BA (Hons) Criminology from Plymouth Marjon University. Matthew is currently undertaking his PhD analysing the “Crisis in Masculinity” and the potential pathways to violence that may arise from it. Amongst his research, he has discussed potential pathways for the rehabilitation and reintegration of British children in Syrian refugee camps, the history of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration programs in the African region, the driving factors in the female migration to Iraq and Syria, intimate partner violence committed and the rise of “Incel” culture as a form of extremism in the United States. Matthew has also studied various political strategies relating to the field, including critiques of Neoliberalism and the current Prevent strategy.
He has completed two internship positions working alongside the Criminology and Forensic Investigation department at Plymouth Marjon University, assisting the Arts and Humanities faculties in researching program experience enhancement. This experience led him to participate in a European PhD study at the School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences, assessing psychological, sexual, verbal, financial and physical violence between intimate partners. This was followed up with a research placement at the Global Counter-Terrorism Institute. He currently holds an Action Counters Terrorism Training certificate and employment development certificates in safeguarding adults and children, drug and alcohol awareness, suicide and self-harm awareness and intervention. His academic work builds upon his previous professional experience, his experience as a father of a blended family with children across the age of seven to eighteen compiled, through social outreach work for those recovering from substance abuse or alcoholism, in addition to his role as a CCTV analyst within Plymouth City Council in collaboration with Devon and Cornwall police.
