Molly Heaney-Corns

Topic

“I’m here for it… but I’m not ‘Feminist Ken’”: Unpacking Young Men’s Perspectives on Feminism

Department of Sociology

Date & location

• Tuesday, August 6, 2024
• 10:00 A.M.
• Cornett Building, Room A317

Examining Committee

Supervisory Committee

• Dr. Steve Garlick, Department of Sociology, University of Victoria (Supervisor)
• Dr. Katelin Albert, Department of Sociology, UVic (Member)

External Examiner

• Dr. Jeffery Halvorsen, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary

Chair of Oral Examination

• Dr. Daler Rakhmatov, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, UVic

Abstract

Current understandings of feminism emphasize that men’s inclusion in the feminist movement is of utmost importance to achieve gender equality and dismantle hegemonic power structures. Despite this, there is a shortage of contemporary research exploring the manner through which men understand feminism, and how that understanding may influence their willingness to engage with feminism. Using semi-structured interviews with thirteen men enrolled at the University of Victoria, this research explores some of the ways that young men are understanding and engaging with feminism. The research questions guiding this project are: 1. How do young men understand and engage with feminism? What factors influence this relationship? 2. How do social norms of masculinity influence men’s relationship with feminism?

Findings indicate that participants' understandings of feminism are complex and sometimes contradictory. All participants indicated that they supported gender equality broadly, yet also expressed resistance to various elements of feminism. Specifically, the data indicates that participants commonly understand feminism positively when framed in terms of liberal feminism, and express resistance to forms of feminism that challenge traditional patriarchal structures. The data also suggests that young men’s understanding of feminism is intertwined with their understanding of masculinity and their role as men in society, as participants expressed concern over backlash from other men and discussed archetypes of demographics of men most likely to engage in feminism. Overall, this study suggests that young men’s understanding of feminism transcends binary acceptance or rejection, and is often intertwined with their understanding of masculinity and performance of their gender. Furthermore, the findings provide insight into the ways that young men are currently grappling with shifting hegemonic norms of masculinity, and the potential consequences that may have on their understanding of their role in social change and gender equality.