[jrsellitto]

It is difficult to even google search names of men who are or were involved in the struggle for equality. I just did a google search and my option were very limited. Many strong feminists feel that mixing men into the struggle for women’s quality is almost hypocritical. The struggle for equality is not one-sided, and it is necessary to have multiple perspectives, genders, background, races, etc. included in the fight for equality.

It is important to understand the history of the struggle for women’s equality. As feminist movements developed over the 1970s, 1980s and into the 1990s, so too did feminist understandings about women’s social situation in relation to men. Feminists argued that cultural ideologies favored men and that social institutions reflected and reproduced these ideologies. As time went on, women started realizing the need for men’s involvement in the struggle for equality. This support for men’s organizations took place at a time when feminists were struggling against the effects of the co-option of their demands for gender equality.

Including men is easier said than done. Why would women want to include the very group of people who were undermining their roles in society? Why would a person who is able to indulge in the benefits of their position in society want to join our cause? These very questions raise a possible explanation of why education about equality is more focused on the women involved than the men.

[jrsellitto]

Men’s role in women’s equality is just as important as women’s role. While it is easy to say that men are just as important, it is hard concept to actually grasp onto. Without men, women’s organizations are constantly asked, “If you are working on gender, where are the men?” This led to increased pressure of feminist organizations to include men in the struggle for women’s equality. The relationship between men’s organizations for gender equality and feminist organizations is an uneasy one. Should women embrace men as an ally or should they keep a safe distance? Through history, men have been the dominant factor in society, embracing patriarchal roles and hegemenous relationships.

I believe that having multiple perspectives in life leads to better and more effective decision making and actions. Since men have acquired this powerful, superior role in society, maybe it is necessary to have someone of authority to help in the struggle for women’s equality. It is also important to understand that it is extremely difficult to be a man in our society and speak out about the dominant culture. The dominant culture promises rewards so if a man is willing to give up the rewards and benefits of this culture, women should embrace the help of men in the struggle for women’s equality.

[jrsellitto]

Men’s role in women’s equality is just as important as women’s role. While it is easy to say that men are just as important, it is hard concept to actually grasp onto. Without men, women’s organizations are constantly asked, “If you are working on gender, where are the men?” This led to increased pressure of feminist organizations to include men in the struggle for women’s equality. The relationship between men’s organizations for gender equality and feminist organizations is an uneasy one. Should women embrace men as an ally or should they keep a safe distance? Through history, men have been the dominant factor in society, embracing patriarchal roles and hegemenous relationships.

I believe that having multiple perspectives in life leads to better and more effective decision making and actions. Since men have acquired this powerful, superior role in society, maybe it is necessary to have someone of authority to help in the struggle for women’s equality. It is also important to understand that it is extremely difficult to be a man in our society and speak out about the dominant culture. The dominant culture promises rewards so if a man is willing to give up the rewards and benefits of this culture, women should embrace the help of men in the struggle for women’s equality.

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