Abstract
What is known about male identity or intergenerational relationships between male family members? And how can rural Australian men be engaged in essential health research? Narrative inquiry is proposed as an ideal means for engaging in the process of uncovering men's storied reflections about their lives, relationships and identity. The article begins with guidance contributed by a group of rural Australian men to narrative researchers who hope to create comfortable environments for men to share personal stories about their intergenerational relationships with male relatives. The men discuss how they see themselves as men in today's Australian rural landscape. Following this, the narrative inquiry literature is discussed. Reflections are provided on male identity as influenced by culture and context, consideration of men and their family relationships, and barriers to men's participation in research, which leads to a focus on rural Australian men. Further research with rural men is called for, in regard to both their participation in research, and their participation in health initiatives.
Highlights
What is known about male identity or intergenerational relationships between male family members? And how can rural Australian men be engaged in essential health research? Methods: Narrative inquiry is proposed as an ideal means for engaging in the process of uncovering men’s storied reflections about their lives, relationships and identity
This study focused on identifying men’s preferences for research activities and environments if they were to participate in studies exploring issues of identity, wellbeing and intergenerational relationships
Reflections on male identity, strongly influenced as it is by culture and context, are provided
Summary
What is known about male identity or intergenerational relationships between male family members? And how can rural Australian men be engaged in essential health research? Methods: Narrative inquiry is proposed as an ideal means for engaging in the process of uncovering men’s storied reflections about their lives, relationships and identity. The men were part of a group that met weekly, and part of the methodology of this pilot study was that the researchers met with the existing group of men one week prior to the research taking place This allowed them to decide if they wished to participate, to gauge the research team, and to volunteer for the research without pressure to be involved. This group of rural men formed a ‘pseudo advisory team’, from which to offer advice about appropriate and effective research methodologies, including selection of activities and spaces, within which male identity and male family relationships could be discussed and better understood
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