Masculinity and family work

• Published in: Gender and Power in Families pp. 209 - 217
• Main Authors: Mason, Barry, Mason, Ed
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Routledge 1990
• Edition: 1
• Subjects: Intimate Relationships; Feminist Family Therapists; Systems Theory Approach; Vice Versa; Family Therapy; Addressing Gender Issues; Practice Considerations; Ed Mason; Mother Daughter Relationship; Circular Questioning; Individual Therapy Work; USA; Gender Sensitive Therapy; Australian Family Therapist; Changing Gender Relationships; Male Therapist; Child Care Skills; Neutral Approach; Restrictive Aspects; Intrapsychic Disposition; Area Team Social Worker; Wo; Homemaking; Hold; Male Socialization
• ISBN: 1780490658; 9781780490656
• DOI: 10.4324/9780429475269-13

This chapter shows that aspects of the socially and psychologically constructed masculinity are deeply problematic, and addresses the issues when working with individuals, couples, families, and colleagues. It aims to reframe aspects of traditional male behaviour. The women attending the conference were in no doubt that the world of family therapy was profoundly sexist one. Women and men respond to emotional distress in different ways. When therapists see a couple, it is very often the woman who appears more 'in touch' with her feelings, more capable of talking about them, and more willing to get involved in therapeutic work. An increasing number of men are challenged by feminist ideas and are struggling to break away from the more restrictive aspects of male socialization. They develop physical, technical, and intellectual skills for solving practical problems and their 'proper' domain seems to be in the public world, whether it is the battlefield, the work-place, the sports arena, or simply the public house.