Studies on the cultural construction of masculinity in many countries show that at an early age boys learn that they must be strong, they must not show their feelings, that conflict is resolved by physical violence and that boys are superior to girls. As they grow up, this socialisation can lead to boys and men feeling justified in subordinating women and girls; to irresponsible paternity, domestic violence and a lack of male involvement in family life. In many countries cultural attitudes that discriminate against girls are very prevalent and son preference is the norm for a variety of reasons. It is a generally held belief in many parts of the world that boys are superior for a variety of reasons but principally because they grow up into men who will pass down the family name, they will support their parents economically, bury them when they die and will provide a safety net where there is no welfare state.

The finding of a research project in the UK on Children's Perceptions of Men carried out by Save the Children's Equality Learning Centre and the Working with Men group reveal how children are influenced and perceive gender roles from a very young age. This survey of the views of five -to-eight year olds threw up some interesting insight into the changing gender roles of men and women and the role models that children have. It found that changes occurring in the lives of children's parents and other close adults are influencing children's perceptions of what men and women are and what they do. Boys appear to recognise and internalise these roles and are clearly struggling with the contradictions. The report suggests that early years educators should make time for children to discuss their observations on what it means to be a boy or girl to help them identify their strengths and abilities in a rapidly changing world.

Save the Children is concerned with supporting the needs of vulnerable children and the social construction of gender is relevant in several areas of our development work: in relation to our work on violence, the role of men in the family, and sexual and reproductive health, especially HIV/AIDS transmission. Work on masculinity is still at an early stage and as an organisation we are approaching it in different ways: carrying out research, raising awareness and training staff and community organisations on gender and development issues.

Author:

Marilyn Thompson, Save the Children Fund (SCF) UK