Describing attitudes, actions, or policies that are understanding, encouraging, and beneficial to men and boys. This can encompass supporting their well-being, addressing their specific challenges, and advocating for their rights and opportunities. men-supportive approaches often acknowledge the societal pressures and expectations placed upon men, promoting positive masculinity, and fostering healthy relationships between men and others. It does not imply exclusion or opposition to supporting women, but rather an additional focus on the needs and experiences of men. It often involves promoting men’s mental and physical health, fatherhood support, and addressing issues of male marginalization. The goal is equitable treatment and opportunity, not the subjugation of another group.
Men-supportive meaning with examples
- The therapist’s approach to counseling was men-supportive, creating a safe space for male clients to discuss their emotions and vulnerabilities. She understood that men can struggle expressing themselves. Her methods focused on building emotional intelligence in men and helping them cope with stress, making the therapy effective for the men she worked with. She didn't treat women unfairly but focused on men's mental health.
- Organizations dedicated to fatherhood programs often implement men-supportive initiatives like parenting classes and co-parenting support. This acknowledges the essential role of fathers in children's lives. This creates a framework for men to be active participants in their children's lives. They focused on helping men become better fathers. Not focused on taking away from women's roles but adding support to men.
- Policy changes aimed at combating male suicide rates can be considered men-supportive, as they recognize a critical health crisis impacting men disproportionately. They focus on reaching out to men and boys in need, recognizing there are significant suicide rates among men. The focus is saving lives not excluding any group. The changes often address the shame of mental health.
- In a workplace, men-supportive practices might include offering flexible work arrangements to accommodate men's responsibilities as fathers. They can facilitate equal opportunity for men and women. Focusing on supporting men can mean allowing them the same time off that women often take. This fosters a positive work environment for all employees. This does not come at the expense of women's support.
- Men-supportive media representations often feature men in diverse roles and situations, challenging traditional stereotypes and showcasing a broader spectrum of male experiences. These portrayals can emphasize men being emotionally vulnerable or showing empathy. Showing men outside of toxic masculinity is a goal. There is nothing that reduces women in such media.