Engaging men in feminist social work: theory, politics and practice

Social work practice with men should focus on ways of working towards gender equality rather than focusing solely on the issues facing men and consequently it is important to locate practice with men in the context of feminist theories. The close personal relationships with feminist women, co-operative working relationships with feminist co-workers and the author's experience in an anti-sexist men's consciousness-raising group provided the direct impetus for bringing a gender consciousness into the author's practice in social work. A traditional men's standpoint is based on the privileges and powers men have, and excludes the perspective of women. A pro-feminist men's standpoint involves being critical of men's position in society and how it contributes to the inequality of women, and developing an ethical and moral commitment to addressing that inequality and discrimination because of the harm it causes. Masculinity and the place of men in social work has until recently been a neglected area in social work writing.