Masculinities in Schools

Teachers are struggling with issues and conversations around masculinities in schools. How do we discuss problem areas associated with masculinities, without demonising the young men we are engaging with? How do we create safe spaces for young people to discuss and challenge their masculinities together? It has never been harder to engage young men in conversations about masculinity, and it has never been more confusing to know where to start.

Educator and social scientist Lewis Wedlock enables schools and teachers to grow their confidence in exploring masculinities with young people. He challenges limiting ideas of masculinity and takes a compassionate, restorative approach. Through this book, Lewis supports teachers to deepen their understanding of how masculinities are shaped, to explore the many complexities and to get comfortable with the uncertainties. He offers practical guidance for the classroom and for transformative, community centred interventions. He empowers teachers to feel confident in implementing sustainable, flexible, and constantly mendable models of masculinity.

The subject of masculinities is often approached through a lens of ‘toxicity’, prompting disengagement and disconnection. This book takes a different approach. It is not about polarizing, demonizing, or standardizing masculinities. It supports and advocates for schools to be open to the wide diversity of masculinities and to develop cultures of accountability, integrity, authenticity, and pride.