Persistent traditions and fresh winds: reflecting on sexuality, masculinity, and interventions for change with Dutch fraternity men

Abstract

Misconceptions about how masculinities are shaped, performed, and valued can hinder progress toward creating equal and safe social worlds. This article seeks to deepen understanding of how Dutch fraternity men experience masculinities and sexually transgressive behaviour toward women, and the in- or exclusion of LGBTQI + individuals. We also examine how these young men perceive recent efforts to promote change and explore strategies to further challenge and transform views and behaviours related to masculinities and male sexualities. Drawing on ten focus group interviews across five fraternities, we found that: (a) a perceived innocence regarding the effects of abusive and objectifying language continues to impede progress, (b) limited awareness of group dynamics, including combined pressures to use sexist language, abuse alcohol and pursue sex, obstructs change, and (c) potential ways forward include shifting towards more diverse and transparent structures, alongside long-term, multi-faceted strategies that address (a) and (b) and go beyond consent and bystander interventions. We reflect on how these findings can inform similar efforts in other contexts and contribute to theory on engaging men and boys in violence prevention and promoting gender equality.