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Abstract

This qualitative dissertation explores the relationship between men and feminist identity, particularly with how they express their views on feminism based on the male privilege they have. Arguments over whether men can be feminists despite their patriarchal roles in our society has become a taxing debate between feminist scholars in recent years. Men’s motivations for becoming feminists, how men support the feminist movement, as well as how men respond to feminist ideologies were all explored in this dissertation to try to uncover once and for all if ‘feminist men’ really can be feminists. Using original qualitative data as well as building on previous research, this study highlights the issues with men’s involvement in feminism and how men simply stating they support women is not enough to help women’s liberation.

Eight university students between the ages of 20 and 22 were recruited through purposive sampling to participate in data collection using semi-structured interviews. The data from the interviews was analysed using thematic analysis with three themes in mind: (1) Resistance, (2) Lack of Responsibility and (3) Shifting Perspectives onto women. The findings showed that men are reluctant to label themselves as feminists due to outside pressures from friends, fear of judgement, and the stereotypes associated with being a feminist, such as being man hating. The findings also showed that participants who identified as feminist lacked an understanding of feminist ideologies, their privileged positionality in society as a male, and chose to act in antifeminist ways.

Course: Sociology and Criminology - BSc (Hons) - C0979

Date Deposited: 2024-01-30

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14334.html