A recent post on a youth work blog recalled a nightmare training session for part-time youth workers when participants were asked to define what it meant to be a man. The women in the group came up with the likes of "bastard" and "selfish slob"; the only two men in the group were unable to come up with anything. The session degenerated from there.
If youth workers struggle this way, where does this leave young men - especially those at risk of falling prey to narrow, limiting and antisocial definitions of masculinity?
For those wanting to explore masculinity issues with boys and young men, www.workingwithmen.org is a great first port of call. Founded in 1988, its work strives to be positive towards men while addressing oppressive behaviour. Visit the site for details of training courses in developing a sexual health strategy targeting young men, boys' underachievement, self-esteem and meeting the educational needs of African Caribbean boys. The media section includes resources such as an "alternative charter" on knives, and module descriptions of an accredited course in working with men.
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