Is a genuine male individual being referred to here?
In the heart of Vienna, a new movement is taking shape. The CoBros association, founded in 2021, is on a mission to challenge traditional notions of masculinity and promote a more caring, empathetic, and nurturing model.
Co-founder Jakob Allinger and his team aim to mainstream this alternative vision of masculinity, which emphasizes emotional literacy, vulnerability, empathy, and caregiving. This model contrasts sharply with traditional masculinity's focus on dominance, toughness, and emotional restraint.
The significance of this shift lies in addressing the limitations and harms of traditional masculinity, which often discourages men from expressing vulnerability or forming nurturing bonds. By embracing this new model, men can lead more authentic, emotionally healthy lives, avoiding toxic behaviors linked to dominance and emotional suppression.
Caring masculinity supports personal growth, emotional intelligence, and responsible, empathetic relationships. Organizations like CoBros help promote this model by fostering environments that nurture these qualities, challenging traditional norms around masculinity.
One common everyday situation that illustrates the reinforcement of hegemonic masculinity is a boy being told to defend himself after being bullied, while a girl might be hugged in the same situation. CoBros seeks to address this imbalance by encouraging men to develop emotional awareness, practice empathy, and engage in nurturing behaviors.
In schools, indicators for intervention include violence, inappropriate behavior towards girls, or lack of respect for female teachers. CoBros holds workshops in Vienna's schools and training centers to teach boys and young men the values and skills needed for a good life.
The association also works with young people to pass on caring male role models to the next generation, particularly focusing on middle schools. CoBros aims to establish a counterbalance in the social media world by creating their own TikTok channel and online community.
Erich Lehner, psychotherapist and chairman of the Association for Men's Work (DMÖ), echoes Allinger's sentiments. He explains that masculinity, apart from biological features, is not innate but socially constructed. Both Lehner and Allinger stress the importance of promoting caring masculinities, a non-violent masculinity model that goes beyond traditional role models.
Masculinity researchers are reportedly observing a backlash against traditional masculinity, and organizations like CoBros are at the forefront of this change. By fostering environments that nurture emotional openness, empathy, and caregiving, they are helping to create healthier male identities and relationships.
The CoBros association, with its focus on emotional literacy, vulnerability, empathy, and caregiving, is working towards mainstreaming an alternative model of masculinity that supports personal growth, education-and-self-development, and fosters responsible, empathetic relationships. By participating in CoBros workshops in schools and engaging with their TikTok channel, young men can learn to develop emotional awareness, practice empathy, and become caring role models for future generations, challenging the traditional norms of masculinity and promoting healthier male identities.
