Healthy Manhood
THE MAN BOX AND HEALTHY MANHOOD
A Call to Men coined the term the Man Box to illustrate the collective socialization of men. The Man Box identifies the limitations on what a man is supposed to be and what he believes. These expectations are taught to men – sometimes unconsciously – and reinforced by society. In the Man Box, men are supposed to be powerful and dominating, fearless and in control, strong, emotionless, and successful.
In the Man Box, women are objects, the property of men, and have less value than men. The teachings of the Man Box allow violence against women, girls, and other marginalized groups to persist. But it is also harmful to men. It limits their manhood and keeps men from being their authentic selves. And it creates a cycle of pain and shame.
Men who embrace and promote a healthy manhood can break out of the Man Box and be their authentic selves. Research has shown healthy manhood decreases violence and discrimination against women and girls and helps men live healthier, happier lives.
Break out of the Man Box and live by the Principles of Healthy, Respectful Manhood
EMBRACE AND EXPRESS A FULL RANGE OF EMOTIONS.
- Allow men and boys to cry.
- Validate men’s and boys’ feelings.
DO NOT CONFORM TO THE PRESSURE TO ALWAYS BE FEARLESS AND IN CONTROL.
- Allow men and boys to be and act afraid.
- Allow men and boys to ask for help.
VALUE A WOMAN’S LIFE, TREAT ALL PEOPLE EQUALLY, AND PROMOTE THE BETTERMENT OF HUMANITY.
- Never use power, control, or violence.
- Never use gender-based attributes to bully or discriminate.
DO NOT USE LANGUAGE THAT DENIGRATES WOMEN AND GIRLS.
- Do not make or laugh at sexist jokes.
- Do not perpetuate negative stereotypes with phrases like “You throw like a girl.”
DEVELOP AN INTEREST IN THE EXPERIENCE OF WOMEN AND GIRLS, OUTSIDE OF SEXUAL CONQUEST.
- Listen to women and validate their experiences.
- Embrace platonic female friendships.
MODEL A HEALTHY, RESPECTFUL MANHOOD TO OTHER MEN AND BOYS.
EMBRACE AND EXPRESS A FULL RANGE OF EMOTIONS.
- Allow men and boys to cry.
- Validate men’s and boys’ feelings.
DO NOT CONFORM TO THE PRESSURE TO ALWAYS BE FEARLESS AND IN CONTROL.
- Allow men and boys to be and act afraid.
- Allow men and boys to ask for help.
VALUE A WOMAN’S LIFE, TREAT ALL PEOPLE EQUALLY, AND PROMOTE THE BETTERMENT OF HUMANITY.
- Never use power, control, or violence.
- Never use gender-based attributes to bully or discriminate.
DO NOT USE LANGUAGE THAT DENIGRATES WOMEN AND GIRLS.
- Do not make or laugh at sexist jokes.
- Do not perpetuate negative stereotypes with phrases like “You throw like a girl.”
DEVELOP AN INTEREST IN THE EXPERIENCE OF WOMEN AND GIRLS, OUTSIDE OF SEXUAL CONQUEST.
- Listen to women and validate their experiences.
- Embrace platonic female friendships.