Men often stay on the sidelines of diversity issues as they feel they are not relevant to them. In a survey on the topic, 68% of men said they did not identify with the topic. To be allies in supporting equality causes, men need to know the issues of minority groups and support them. Allies are men who use their opportunities and privileges to support, respect and protect members of marginalized groups by working to eliminate oppressive attitudes, beliefs and actions in themselves and in their communities.
When talking about men, it should not be forgotten that, in addition to their gender, they represent several other different groups depending on their race, age or culture. Men are also subject to discrimination and stereotypes, especially when it comes to their role in the family and in the workplace.
Problems at work
Over 47% of respondents to a survey related to masculinity in the workplace said that men feel responsible for supporting the family. Over half felt that men should prioritize work over family. To be successful in the workplace, 44% believe long hours must be put in, and 41% believe family life should not interfere with work.
These results echo the views of 67% of people who took Harvard’s Implicit Bias Test, which shows them the unconscious connection they make to men and careers, and women to family.
In the workplace, male introverts are sometimes disadvantaged at the expense of their extrovert colleagues. Introverts listen more and talk less, while extroverts talk a lot, think out loud, and feel comfortable at events among many and unfamiliar people.
The problems of fathers
In a survey conducted prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, 87% of fathers said they wanted to spend more time with their children. At the same time, 45% of fathers felt pressure to better balance their work and personal lives.
Men are willing to take on more responsibilities related to childcare and elderly loved ones, as well as household tasks. However, ingrained social expectations and lack of support discourage them from doing so.
While more and more companies are offering the option of paid paternity for childbirth or adoption, the time is small and disproportionate to what mothers receive. Building a bond with children from the start is important for both child development and father connectedness.
Although there is less talk about the issues that men have in the context of diversity, understanding the reality that men live in, their views and the barriers they face helps to engage them more in the dialogue about equality.
Furthermore, no marginalised group has been able to make significant progress without the support of a majority group, so bringing men to the diversity cause is key.
