In this talk I am aiming at furthering our understanding of men’s roles, but also the struggles, challenges and ambivalences involved when becoming change agents in equality initiatives. Analysing how men talk about gender equality in ten group discussions with male managers in five companies in Switzerland, I show that they are both invested in gender equality and as well critical about hegemonic masculinity. However, being critical of face time, full-time work, and the ideal of the heroic leader does not result in disengaging from hegemonic masculinity or an actual positioning as alternative men. Rather, the discussions end in silence and a general feeling of helplessness.
Language
English
Event Title
Conference of the Swiss Association for Gender Studies