[Michlib-l] Shifting Landscapes: Rethinking Masculinity -- 7pm tonight

[Thomas Trahey]

 *What*’*s In an Ideology and What Are the Consequences?: Rethinking
Masculinity*

   Jessica Houser, Professor of Psychology at West Shore Community College,
will look at the first-ever guidelines published in 2018 by the American
Psychological Association (APA) for psychologists and others working with
boys and men.

   During the pandemic, research revealed that working class men in
America, from 25-55 years old have continued to die from suicide and harm
from alcohol or drugs, also described as “deaths of despair,” at
significantly greater rates than other Americans over the last several
decades.

   While women are also dying from deaths of despair, men appear to be
dying in greater numbers. Research indicates there are many factors leading
to the deaths of despair among working class men, including lack of jobs
and the resultant low or no income—and the toll this takes on pride and
hope. But even when jobs have been available—those in the service
sector—men either excluded themselves or were excluded from these jobs as
they were deemed not appropriate for men.

  Houser will explore changing ideas about what it means to be a man. What
is it about ideas of masculinity that prevent men from seeking work or
being hired in the service sector? A focal point in looking at masculinity
will be the 2018 APA guidelines developed to help boys and men lead
healthier and happier lives. Houser will discuss the nature of the
guidelines, including how the guidelines alter or strengthen earlier ideas
about masculinity and about mental health for boys and men. Importantly,
Houser will discuss criticism—both positive and negative—of the guidelines
over the past 3 years. She will also note any changes made to the
guidelines. House will consider with the audience whether the guidelines
might lead men and society to healthier definitions of what it means to be
a man.

  The final Truth & Politics event will take place March 21 - Communicating
Across the Fence—or the Aisle, presented by Brian Harrison, visiting
assistant professor of political science, Carleton College.

 The program begins at 7pm tonight, to simply join the Zoom presentation,
go to
 mcdl.pub/sl-zoom.  A recording will be available by Thursday morning. If
you would like an emailed link to the recording, you can register at
mcdl.pub/sl-register.

-- 
Thomas Trahey
Mason County District Library
Head of Circulation
231-843-8465
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