School Notes
Date posted: Nov 23, 2021
A Relational-Cultural Framework for Promoting Healthy Masculinities
A conceptual framework is presented to combat the harmful socialization of boys and men. The framework is rooted in relational-cultural theory, which posits interpersonal and sociocultural disconnections as a primary source of suffering, with connection being a source of growth and healing (Jordan, 2017). Dominant masculine socialization prevents men from developing healthy connections to others and has cascading harmful effects on their lives. Experiences in growth-fostering relationships of empathy, mutuality, and empowerment can help boys and men reject hegemonic relational dynamics and promote human capacities for vulnerability, connection, and compassion into healthy and flexible ways of being men in the world.