Masculinity as a problem: An investigation into social work projects in Sweden targeting young men

Abstract

In this article, we report on a study that investigated the motives, interests, and positions of a number of participants in the field of social work and projects for men and equality in contemporary Swedish society. The material used was collected from an evaluation of a number of social projects in Swedish civil society that focused on men and boys. The common goal in these projects is to develop methods and tools that are usable in social work with men and boys. In the article, we will highlight eight of the projects included in the evaluation. The points of departure for these projects are often an agenda putting forward a problematic masculinity and focusing on men at risk of either harming themselves or others. The various social work projects use two different approaches to social work with men and boys. A number of projects tend to lean on “traditional” images of gender, using a compensatory approach to gender and society. Other projects are clearly inspired by a feminist movement among men and lean on a norm critical tradition with influences from, for instance, Judith Butler’s work. The results of the study call for a discussion of how social and economic conditions affect the understanding of masculinity. If the goal is to deconstruct homogenous gender categories, we have to emphasize the variety of gender constructions, identities, and power relations.