MEN AND ANTI-SEXISM

This paper explores the negative impact of sexism on both women and me n and considers what active part men can play in challenging and under mining sexism. The costs of living and working in a patriarchal societ y are outlined, and related to the differing experiences of women and men. It is argued that, although women clearly bear the brunt of sexis m, gender stereotyping is not without significant costs for men. This leads us into an exploration of possible anti-sexist strategies that m en can promote and implement as part of the development of anti-discri minatory and anti-oppressive practice. The aim is not for men to 'colo nize' or take over the struggle to achieve emancipation from oppressiv e gender norms. Rather, it is for men to play a part in the collective struggle to remove the inhumanity of patriarchal social relations. Th e paper is grounded within a professional value base premissed on a co mmitment to combating discrimination and oppression, and within a theo ry base informed by existentialist philosophy (Thompson, 1992a).