Men’s emancipation?
Emancipator works towards changing the social norms for men and masculinity. In order to achieve gender equality, men also need to change. Men’s emancipation is about the contributions of men to the emancipation of women and about the liberation of men from traditional masculinity.
In short, feminism needs men for a better world, and men need feminism for a better life.
To look at men’s emancipation from a different angle is to look at the role of men and masculinity and how they can contribute to, and benefit from, greater gender equality. Traditional standards of masculinity cause problems for men themselves and for others and the world. All kinds of personal and social problems can be traced back to strict ideas about what it means to be a man, from the division of labour and care, paternity, education and relationships, to sexuality, violence, diversity and physical and mental health.
Emancipator works on men’s emancipation around various themes: violence and safety, work and care, sexual and gender diversity, and sexuality.
We are working towards…
…the prevention of violence
Many people in the Netherlands experience violence, in relationships, at home and on the street. Far too many women and lhbtqia + people fall victim to violence. Often, men are the perpetrators, also of violence against other men and themselves. Violence is strongly linked to rigid beliefs about masculinity.
…a fair division of labour and care
Labour and care are unequally devided. Caring responsibilities and other unpaid work are seen as women’s tasks, while paid work is considered the male domain. That idea is deeply rooted in our society. It would benefit women if men cared more, and it would benefit men if that became more normal. That way everyone can do what they feel comfortable with.
…positive sex education
Gender norms about sexuality are central to issues such as sexualization, pornofication and sexual unappropriate behaviour. To solve those problems, more needs to be done than teaching people to indicate and accept boundaries. Sexual education should address gender norms and their consequences, and encourage people to discover their own preferences.
…a world where everyone can be themselves
Lgbtiq+ emancipation in the Netherlands has not yet been completed. Gay, bi, and transphobia are strongly related to ideas about masculinity and when someone is ‘a real man’. Men are punished for being to feminine, they are insulted or worse. Fortunately, there is increasing attention for sexual and gender diversity. When masculinity standards relax and become wider, everyone benefits.