Micheal Kimmel means that institutions such as a workplace or educational institute play a large role in gender identity, namely using the gendered jobs to reinforce the already established gender identity. For example, a job such as a secretary is usually performed by a woman, while the boss she serves is usually a male. The different characteristics of the jobs and the different experiences which the man and woman will have contribute to structured gender differences. I can relate this information to the fourth episode of “Man Enough” because one of the discussions in the film was how men could support female survivors of sexual abuse. Since much of the abuse takes place in the workplace, and since men predominantly have positions of power over women in the workplace, breaking the gendered institutions may result in less sexual assaults taking place.
Kimmel means that there is no singular ‘masculinity’; masculinity can vary based on different countries, cultures, time periods, and throughout the duration of someone’s life, but also in different individuals living in the same place at the same time. He prefers to use the plural term instead of the singular because it is ever-changing and the singular form cannot encompass all the meaning which the word holds. This information can be related to the discussion in the fourth episode of “Man Enough” because the hosts of the show are talking about breaking the traditional male stereotypes for a healthier self and relation with the world. For example, the thought of male predation on females is discussed as happening only because these males have the ‘consent’ of other males, who will not call out their behavior because of the ‘bro-code’. However, it is discussed that these thoughts need to be banished and it is important to stand up for the women and change this damaging stereotype.
Lovers and Fighters | Section 22 