There was a meet and greet with the latest Doctor, Jodie Whittaker, the first female to be given the role. It's easy to say that children have both male and female role models in their lives but what kind of examples are we talking about?Ī recent article about the new Doctor Who contained an interesting observation when it pointed out the possibility for change with the next generation of boys. Are boys encouraged to see these women and understand what this means? There are women who are just as fit to be in those powerful roles as men. That same train of thought then travels with them throughout their lives as they are exposed to more and more platforms political, business and professional arenas where young men find it easy to look up to male role models because there are so many more out there in the top-shelf positions. It shouldn't be hard for them to admire Samantha Kerr as much as Tim Cahill - unless female sport is considered a second-rate game in their household. Strong female role models begin with figures like superheroes or in the sporting arena but with all the male examples dominating the landscape, it's slim pickings for young boys unless they are encouraged to actively look for them. Where do females that aren't based on some kind of nurturing or sexual opportunity come into young males' lives these days? Where and when do they find them in within the patriarchal structures that still dominate across the world? The saying that some men marry their mothers isn't such a stretch when you think about it.īut what about in the greater scheme of women on the planet? The women these young men don't personally know but could admire regardless. Often going from one nurturer to another. Then these women become partners, wives, mistresses, whatever takes its course in one's life as a male. Nurturing, emotional contact that extends into intimacy and friendship if it's a good one. Again, these can be nurturing or guidance roles along with the academic element they provide. An important relationship but, when you really look at it, quite a narrow one when it comes to demonstrating to young male minds where women sit within our social infrastructure.įemale teachers might also come into the mix. These are the women young boys are exposed to mostly, the family connections that provide nurturing roles. Some might say their sisters or other female relatives or friends within the family's social circles. Most will probably go straight to the obvious choice - their mother. It's an interesting question and one that is becoming part of the conversation of the #MeToo movement. WHAT kind of women do your sons have as role models?
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |