Related
Also check out our other stories!
How do masculine stereotypes shape how young people see themselves and others? As boys spend time online, many come across the ‘manosphere,’ a network of online communities that promote harmful ideas about masculinity, emphasizing traits like dominance, aggression, and emotional repression.
“The influence of those networks is real, but it’s something we can change,” says Laurens Kleijntjens (37), policy advisor for the Dutch Feniks Emancipatie Expertise Centrum and trainer for Rutgers’ LEFgozers programme. Through LEFgozers, Laurens helps professionals engage with young men to challenge these stereotypes.
Norms and masculinity is a frequent topic of debate in the Netherlands, particularly in the wake of sexual harassment cases at student organisations and the influence of online ‘manfluencers’ like Andrew Tate. These influencers promote the domination of women and a macho attitude among men. ”This raises the question: should we be educating boys differently?” Laurens notes.
According to Laurens, gender norms can place immense pressure on men to embody traits like dominance, control, and emotional stoicism. “Men are still expected to be tough, assertive, and uninterested in showing emotion,” he explains. “Many young men feel compelled to exaggerate these traits to prove their masculinity. As a result, essential human qualities—often regarded as ‘feminine’ traits like empathy, vulnerability, and care—are suppressed or underdeveloped. This creates an imbalance, both within men themselves and in society at large.”
”I see that boys themselves have conflicting feelings about masculinity norms but often succumb to peer pressure”
“If, as a man, you don’t behave according to these norms and show more of your softer side, you’re often dismissed . On the other hand, bravado and macho behaviour are often rewarded. I see that boys themselves have conflicting feelings about these masculinity norms but often succumb to peer pressure and go along with them. As a result, many boys feel they can’t be themselves and sometimes end up doing things they don’t truly believe in. Additionally, many boys don’t learn how to deal with certain emotions. Anger is seen as a ‘real’ male emotion, but it often masks deeper sadness. Asking for help remains a significant taboo for many. I believe it is one of the reasons why, in the Netherlands, twice as many men as women commit suicide[1].”
Positive ideas about masculinity: the LEFgozers method
With Rutgers’ LEFgozers (Dutch for ‘gutsy guys’) method, Laurens coaches professionals on how they can support young men in exploring their masculinity differently and opening up discussions on gender norms.
“You learn how to guide boys to open up while working on the prevention of gender-based violence’’, he says. ‘’It’s an accessible, easy-to-implement method that includes engaging, fun activities tailored to boys’ experiences. What makes the LEFgozers approach so unique and effective for me is its focus on positive ideas about masculinity instead of problematic behaviour. This helps prevent harmful stereotypes of masculinity from being repeated and reinforced.”
Creating a safe and supportive environment where boys feel comfortable expressing vulnerability is a crucial first step, and the LEFgozers method places strong emphasis on this foundational phase. It provides facilitators with practical tools to engage boys in meaningful, non-judgmental discussions without coming across as preachy. The method also underscores the importance of continuity through multiple conversations. ‘‘It’s important that, as a facilitator, you conduct multiple sessions to allow for self-reflection. Don’t just limit it to one workshop or guest lecture; it is about the power of repetition!’’
LEFgozers is designed for professionals working with boys in youth work and care settings. Since its launch in 2023, over 500 professionals have accessed the e-learning, and nine in-company trainings have been delivered.
Sources:
CBS: 1,862 suicide deaths in 2023 | CBS
Cense, M., de Blécourt, K., & Oostrik, S. (2016). Activating boys to reflect on masculinity norms: the Dutch campaign Beat the Macho. The European Health Psychologist, 18, 13–18.
Cense, M., & Oostrik, S. (2015). Beat the Macho Onderzoeksrapport