Name: A reframing of masculinity, rooted in empathy
Uploaded: 2024-01-30T15:44:46Z
Duration: 13 min 7 s
Description: Urging us to turn away from voices perpetuating harmful stereotypes, gender equality advocate Gary Barker shares three insights on fostering a culture of care, compassion and connection among men. "We are the most wired-to-care species on the planet," he says. "But if you don't use it ... you don't get good at it."

Gary Barker: A reframing of masculinity, rooted in empathy

A reframing of masculinity, rooted in empathy

Urging us to turn away from voices perpetuating harmful stereotypes, gender equality advocate Gary Barker shares three insights on fostering a culture of care, compassion and connection among men. "We are the most wired-to-care species on the planet," he says. "But if you don't use it ... you don't get good at it."

Most violence worldwide is committed by men, yet the roots often lie in how boys are taught to suppress vulnerability and embrace toughness. Nearly two thirds of men report experiencing physical violence from other males as children, shaping harmful beliefs about masculinity. Generations of boys have learned to hide emotions behind a shield of "I don't care," leading to loneliness, risk, and cycles of harm. Shifting culture means helping men reconnect with their innate capacity for care, forging new pathways to equality and healing.