Masculinity
Evolving men: initial results from the International Men and Gender Equality Survey (IMAGES)
Authors:
G Barker
Publisher:
International Center for Research on Women, USA, 2010
Men’s attitudes and practices related to gender equality are changing for the better. This report contains the initial results of the International Men and Gender Equality Survey (IMAGES), part of the Men and Gender Equality Policy Project, which is coordinated by Instituto Promundo and the International Center for Research on Women. IMAGES is a quantitative household questionnaire, administered in 2009-2010, to over 8,000 men and 3,500 women in Brazil, Chile, Croatia, India, Mexico and Rwanda. The purpose of the survey was to develop an evidence base for formulating strategies and policies that engage men in areas such as parenting, health and reducing gender-based violence.
Gender equality was found to be beneficial for both women and men – generating, for example, increased happiness, weel-being and sexual satisfaction. Younger men and men with higher levels of education were found to posses more gender-equitable attitudes and practices. Most men indicated their acceptance of gender equality in the abstract, even if it had not yet become incorporated into their daily lives. It is concluded that effectively engaging men requires understanding the complex conditions that lead to harmful practices. Large-scale approaches are recommended to take full advantage of this emerging shift in men’s attitudes.
