Questioning Masculinity

The purpose of this course is to examine the social dynamics that lead to the categorization of some individuals as men. It is my hope that this will empower individuals to construct their own gender identity and to resist internal and social pressures to behave in ways that are oppressive or involuntary, thus weakening the hold of the binary gender system. I intend to make a zine summarizing the class discussions which will serve as a resource for activists and possibly use this course as the launch pad for a more permanent discussion group. The first section of the course will explore how masculinity is a socially constructed, enforced and potentially fluid identity. The second section of the course will deal with potentially problematic aspects of masculinity and attempt to come up with solutions to these problems. The third section will examine how traditional male gender roles are an integral part of a hierarchical and oppressive society. Fourth and finally we will examine how the construction of masculinity intersects with other aspects of identity. Classes are scheduled to begin on January 21st, 2007. They will be held at Bike Pirates (457 Bathurst St., just south of College)on Sundays from 2-4pm every other week. All genders are welcome. I would encourage male-identified individuals like myself to join us in an exploration of issues relevant to political activism and our lives. Please let me know ahead of time if you wish to attend one or all of the class sessions. Those interested can e-mail me at: jason@anarchistu.org

Part 1: What Makes a Man?

1. Introduction to Gender Jan. 21st

"Your Gender Workbook: How to Become a Real Man, Real Woman, the Real You or Something Else Entirely" by Kate Bornstein

Questions for Discussion: What are the implications of seeing gender as a social construct? What are the social forces that regulate masculinity and how do they operate? Is a genderless society a realistic and/or worthwhile goal?

2. Masculinity and Biology Feb. 4th

"Myths of Gender: Biological Theories and Men and Women" by Anne Fausto-Sterling

"Lessons from the Intersexed" by Suzanne J. Kessler

Questions for Discussion: How does biology affect men's behavior and abilities? How might human biological categories be organized differently? Is the gender/biological sex dichotomy a valid one?

3. Boys and Upbringing Feb. 18th

"Sissies and Tomboys: Gender Nonconformity and Homosexual Childhood" by Mathew Rottnek

"Boys Will Be Men: Raising Our Sons for Courage, Caring and Community" by Paul Kivel

Questions for Discussion: Why is social pressure for masculine behavior in boys so intense? How can this pressure be reduced? How can boys be raised to play a positive, non-oppressive role in society?

Part 2: Potentially Problematic Aspects of Masculinity

4. Men and Political Organizing Mar. 4th

"Where are the Revolutionary Men?" by yoduls "Stick it to the Manarchy" by Maggie, Rayna, Michael and Matt

Questions for Discussion: What problems does hyper-masculine behavior pose for political organizing? How can men who behave in these ways best be made aware of these problems? What are some potential solution to these problems?

5. Male Privilege Mar. 18th

"Privilege Revealed: How Invisible Privilege Undermines America" by Stephanie Wildman

"The Male Privilege Checklist" by B. Deutsch

Questions for Discussion: How does male privilege operate in our society? How can those who hold privilege be made aware of it? How can the effects of privilege be mitigated?

6. Men's Identification with Their Oppressors Apr. 1st

"Imperial Alibis: Rationalizing U.S. Intervention after the Cold War" by Stephen Shalom

Questions for Discussion: How is hyper-masculinity linked to support for right-wing agendas? How are the issues of today presented in gendered terms? How does masculinity affect international and/or global politics?

7. Men and Sex Apr. 15th

"Lesbian Sex Secrets for Men" by Jamie Goddard and Kurt Brungardt

"Seeking Sexual Lives: Gay Youth and Masculinity Tensions" by Matt G. Mutchler

Questions for Discussion: What problems does hyper-masculinity create for sexual relationships? What are some potential solutions to these problems? What problems does hyper-masculinity create for gay men?

8. Male Body Image Apr. 29th

"The Social Meaning of Muscle" by David Brown

Questions for Discussion: Why is a muscular body positively evaluated in our society? What are some of the negative things said about men's bodies? How can all men be made to feel good about their bodies?

Part 3: Traditional Male Social Roles

9. Men and the Guard Role May 13th

"The Myth of the Military Nation: Militarism, Gender and Education in Turkey" by Ayse Gul Altinay

"'There Oughtta be a Law against Bitches': Masculinity Lessons in Police Academy Training" by Anastasia Prokos and Irene Padavic

Questions for Discussion: How does military or police training affect the construction of masculinity? Why are these fields resistant to the entry of women? How does hyper-masculine behavior in police and soldiers affect our lives?

10. Men and the Breadwinner Role May 27th

"Men, Masculinity and the Challenge of Long-term Unemployment" by Sara Willott and Christine Griffin

Questions for Discussion: Why is being the sole breadwinner important to some men? What sort of problems does having a sole male breadwinner cause? How can men reconcile themselves to not being the sole breadwinner?

Part 4: Masculinity and the Intersection of Identities

11. Social Class and the Construction of Masculinity June 10th

"'Men' and 'Work': Multiple Masculinities/Multiple Workplaces" by David Collinson and Jeff Hearn

Questions for Discussion: How do men form different social classes construct their gender identities? What are the consistencies in ideas about masculinity across class lines? What are the potential problems of designating any one conception of masculinity "real man" status?

12. Race, Ethnicity and the Construction of Masculinity June 24th

"Ethnic Belonging and Traditional Masculinity Among African Americans, European Americans and Latinos" by Jose M. Abreu, Rodney K. Goodyear, Alvaro Campos and Michael D. Newcomb

Questions for Discussion: How do men of varying race and/or ethnicity construct their gender identities? What are the consistencies in ideas about masculinity that transcend racial and ethnic divisions? How do certain racialized conceptions of masculinity perpetuate racism?