Reconstruction and resistance: masculinity, gender and relationships among men in the environmental movement

Social researchers have long been divided in their interpretations of gender relations in the context of the family. From the 1940s onwards, researchers began to observe patterns of change in gender relations that they claimed amounted to a reordering of such relations. According to these researchers, family life was increasingly characterised by gender equality and companionship. From the 1970s, many researchers - often influenced by feminism - critiqued this interpretation and suggested that there was much greater continuity than change in family life. This study locates itself in this debate. The study draws upon R. W. Connell's analysis of gender as a social practice. Connell observed on the basis of his research that men active in the environmental movement were practising their masculinity in a different way to other groups of men. The men active in the environmental movement were attempting to construct progressive rather than hegemonic gender projects. This study investigates Connell's observations about gender reform among this group. It does so by examining the gender practices of these men in the context of their personal relationships. The study is based upon 24 qualitative interviews with men active in the environmental and another 24 interviews with their female partners. The study supports Connell's claim about gender reform among the men active in the environmental movement, but also highlights the continuing influence of established gender roles and hegemonic masculinity. All of the men in this study described progressive views about gender relations, but there was much diversity in the men's gender practices. The men fell into one of two groups. The first group of 10 men had apparently achieved substantial reform in their relationships. The relationships were relatively egalitarian according to both the men and the partners. In turn, the relationships were relatively harmonious. The other 14 men were struggling with gender reform. According to both the men and their partners, the relationships were characterised by enduring hegemonic practices. In turn, they were beset by ongoing tension and conflict.