Men, Gender Equality Policy Project

This qualitative study explores the motivation and circumstances which enable some men to adopt caring roles or go into a caring profession. It is part of global study conducted in four countries and coordinated by ICRW (USA) and Instituto Promundo (Brazil). The study aims to identify sets of conditions and possibilities which may influence men to think and act in non-hegemonic manners while at the same time not feel deprived, uncertain or unfulfilled. The study sample included nineteen men who were purposively sampled. The study was conducted through in-depth interviews twice with each subject helping them to reflect and explore their own situation. Thematic analysis was done to identify emerging patterns. The study identifies sets of inter-related influences and conditions which may allow men to exercise agency to act in less gender discriminatory manner. This study is important in highlighting conditions which may allow men to avoid the ‘hegemonic’ imperative in the specific context of India and may be useful in determining a methodology of working with men and masculinities towards a more human rights focused framework.

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