By Danielle McCaffrey, Prevention of Violence Against Women Lead, WHISE
The manosphere has been in the media following Louis Theroux’s documentary which follows a few of the more popular male influencers. We know how damaging these messages are not only for young men but especially for women and girls; however, if we want genuine change, we need to have compassion, whilst also demanding accountability.
In an economic system where the messages of self sufficiency, work harder, be stronger, never give up, resonate with young men; these strategies are just not working for them anymore. Instead of critically looking at the economic system, these influencers redirect men’s fears and frustrations toward women, gender equality, migrants, and other “others,” reinforcing harmful patriarchal narratives rather than addressing the structural issues driving increasing inequality and hardship.
Public health teaches us that the environments we grow up in shape our wellbeing more than any individual choice. Our access to a clean environment, walkable communities, free education, accessible childcare, public healthcare, and community safety set the scene for thriving young people and families. In the decades since Thatcherism and Reaganomics, these public goods have been slowly but deliberately whittled away across the developed world. Many boys and young men, especially those who have experienced neglect or harm, turn toward online spaces that offer belonging while simultaneously cutting them off from the healthy, trusting relationships they desire.
Amid these challenges, we need to rediscover the transformative potential of a political and community ethic centred on compassion, justice and collective wellbeing. This approach invites us to hold men accountable while still recognising their pain and supporting pathways toward connection and equity.
Join the conversation
The Promoting Respect and Equity Together (PRET) regional strategy launched a Working with Men and Boys Community of Practice on Wednesday 18 March we hope that it will be an opportunity for practitioners to explore ways of positively working with men and boys and strengthen practice across our region.
