Male Teachers and the "Boy Problem": An issue of recuperative masculinity politics

Authors

  • Wayne Martino University of Western Ontario
  • Michael Kehler University of Western Ontario

Keywords:

male role models, boys' education, masculinity, male teachers

Abstract

ABSTRACT. In this paper, we interrogate the call for more male role models within the context of boys’ education debates in Australia and North America. We explicate links between failing masculinities and this call for more male teachers, arguing that the debate is driven by a “recuperative masculinity politics᾿ committed to addressing the perceived feminization of schooling and its detrimental effect on boys’ education. LES ENSEIGNANTS DE SEXE MASCULIN ET LE « PROBLÈME DES GARÇONS » : UNE QUESTION DE POLITIQUE DE LA RÉCUPÉRATION DE LA MASCULINITÉ RÉSUMÉ. Dans cet article, nous nous penchons sur les appels faits en faveur d’une augmentation du nombre de modèles masculins dans le contexte de l’éducation des garçons en Australie et en Amérique du Nord. Nous tissons des liens entre l’échec de la masculinité et ces appels en faveur de l’augmentation du nombre d’enseignants de sexe masculin, avançant que le débat est alimenté par la « politique de la récupération de la masculinité » qui vise à corriger la féminisation perçue de l’éducation et ses effets nuisibles.

Author Biographies

Wayne Martino, University of Western Ontario

WAYNE MARTINO is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Edcuation at the University of Western Ontario. His books (with Maria Pallotta-Chiarolli) include So what’s a boy? Addressing issues of masculinity and schooling (Open University Press, 2003) and Being normal is the only way to be. Adolescent perspectives on gender and school (University of New South Wales Press, 2005). His latest book is entitled Gendered outcast and sexual outlaws (Haworth Press, 2006).

Michael Kehler, University of Western Ontario

MICHAEL KEHLER is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Western Ontario where he teaches in the preservice and graduate education program. His research interests include the counter-hegemonic practices of high school young men, literacies, masculinities and the ongoing negotiations involved for young men resisting heteronormativity. His research has been published in Educational Review, Taboo, Education and Society, and The International Journal of Inclusive Education.

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How to Cite

Martino, W., & Kehler, M. (2007). Male Teachers and the "Boy Problem": An issue of recuperative masculinity politics. McGill Journal of Education / Revue Des Sciences De l’éducation De McGill, 41(2). Retrieved from https://mje.mcgill.ca/article/view/559

Issue

Vol. 41 No. 2 (2006)

Section

Articles

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