Episode 44

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Published on:

7th Aug 2024

Politics, Violence, Ageing: Reflections on a Life Working on Men and Masculinities - Prof Jeff Hearn

Professor Jeff Hearn has been engaging in academic, activist, and personal work on men, masculinities, and pro-feminism for over 45 years. So how does he reflect on what he has observed over the course of his career, and in contemporary debates? For instance, what are ‘political masculinities’ and how are they playing out in today’s turbulent political climate? Is it possible to categorise different legal and policy approaches to men and gender equality across Europe? What counts as ‘violence’ and how should we understand the links between different forms? How can memory work help to explain the relationship between masculinity and ageing? These are some of the concepts and issues we explore in this wide-ranging episode, based on Jeff’s rich body of writing and research since the 1970s. 

Jeff’s work is well known in the field of critical studies on men and masculinities. He has also worked extensively on organisations, management and work, with special emphasis on gender, sexuality, diversity and intersectionality; and men’s violence to women and children. His wider interests include globalisation and transnationalisations, social theory, and cultural studies. He spent his early career at Bradford University in the UK, rising to became head of department. Since then, he has held various posts internationally, including: Research Professor in Social Sciences, Manchester University, UK; Professor of Gender Studies, Linköping University, Sweden; and currently Professor Emeritus, Management and Organisation, Hanken School of Economics, Finland; Senior Professor, Human Geography, Örebro University, Sweden; and Professor of Sociology, University of Huddersfield, UK. He was also a founder member of ‘Profeministimiehet’, Finland.

Jeff’s work:

Episode timeline:

  • Introduction (00:00-03:32)
  • The ‘masculinity contest’ between Biden and Trump (03:32-11:50)
  • ‘Political masculinities’ and recent elections across Europe (11:50-19:38)
  • Categorising policy approaches to gender equality and men in Europe (19:38-24:51)
  • ‘Violence regimes’ and interconnections between men’s violences (24:51-30:02)
  • Break (30:02-30:08)
  • Reflecting on Jeff’s career and the history of critical studies on men and masculinities (30:08-40:11)
  • Focusing on men’s practices and ‘the hegemony of men’ (40:11-44:13)
  • The Older Men’s Memory Work Group (44:13-50:43)
  • Ageing and masculinity (50:43-52:38)
  • Conclusion (Tap Social in Oxford; 'Strong' vs collective leadership; Older men and power; Violence against women and the 'Nordic paradox'; Ecological violence; Coercive control) (52:38-59:58)

More info:

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About the Podcast

Now and Men
Current conversations about men's lives
What's it like to be a man in the 21st century? How are feminist issues relevant to men and boys? How can we engage in productive conversations about gender equality? These questions are being discussed more than ever.

Our monthly podcast delves into these issues with experts such as practitioners, activists and academics. In each episode, you’ll hear in-depth conversations about a wide-range of topics connected to masculinity and the lives of men and boys, such as preventing gender-based violence, promoting active fatherhood, and supporting men's health.

The podcast is hosted by two social science researchers, based on the opposite sides of the world: Sandy Ruxton from Durham University's Centre for Research into Violence and Abuse (UK) and Dr Stephen Burrell from the University of Melbourne (Australia). If you would like to give us your feedback, suggest a guest, or have a question you'd like us to discuss, get in touch at nowandmen@gmail.com. And if you like what we do, please share us with your friends, and leave a review on Apple podcasts!

About your hosts

Stephen Burrell

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I am a Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Melbourne, Australia, where I moved from the UK at the beginning of 2024. My research is about men, masculinities and violence. I am particularly interested in the prevention of men's violence against women, building gender equality, addressing environmental harm, and promoting an ethic of care among men and boys. In my spare time I'm a big fan of drinking tea, being in nature, eating vegan ice cream, and listening to heavy metal music. I'm also a trustee for White Ribbon UK.

Sandy Ruxton

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Honorary Research Fellow in the Department of Sociology at Durham University (UK). Independent researcher, expert on men and masculinities. Previous policy work on human rights, children and families, poverty and social exclusion, and asylum and migration. Programme experience with boys and young men in schools, community, and prisons. Steering Committee member, MenEngage Europe. Volunteer for OX4 Food Crew. Chess-player, bike-rider, tree-hugger. Great grandfather edited Boy's Own Paper, but was sacked.