In this episode, Therese Markow and Mark Greene discuss the pervasive issue of mansplaining, a phenomenon where men explain things to women despite their lesser expertise. Mark explains that mansplaining is rooted in "Man Box Culture," a set of rigid masculine rules that discourage emotional expression and promote dominance. He highlights that these rules, which include not showing emotions and being a breadwinner, have been ingrained since the Industrial Revolution and are still prevalent today. Mark emphasizes the need for men to unlearn these behaviors to form meaningful connections and improve their mental health. He also discusses the impact of these cultural norms on men's professional and personal lives, advocating for a shift towards more inclusive and emotionally open masculinity.

 

 Key Takeaways:

• No culture is monolithic. No culture is non-changeable. 

• Mansplaining is one direct product of a culture of masculinity that says: Don't show your emotions. Always be tough, be right, know more.. Never talk about anything deep.

• Man Box Culture is not traditional masculinity

• The breaking of connection is what leads to Man Box Culture and the increased rates of suicide in teenage boys and mental health challenges in adult men.

• Authentic, deep, caring relationships require emotional sharing. If you spend your life mansplaining, you don’t have connection.

 

"My work is around the idea that we want to get men to wake up to the limitations of Man Box Culture and shift that culture to a healthier culture of expression and connection." —  Mark Greene

 

Episode References: 

• Men Explain Things to Me by Rebecca Solnit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1608464660 

• The Man Box Study by Equimundo: https://www.equimundo.org/resources/man-box-study-young-man-us-uk-mexico/ 

• When Boys Become Boys by Judy Chu: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0814764800 

• Niobe Way: https://www.niobe-way.com/ 

• Catalyst: How Combative Cultures Prevent Men from Interrupting Sexism: https://www.catalyst.org/research/combative-culture-sexism-infographic/ 

• The Good Men Project: https://goodmenproject.com/ 

 

Connect with Mark Greene:

Website: https://remakingmanhood.com/ 

Twitter: https://x.com/remakingmanhood 

Book: The Little #MeToo Book for Me: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0983466963 

Book: The Relational Book for Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1979378657 

Remaking Manhood Podcast: https://remakingmanhood.com/2019/04/01/the-podcast/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrkgreene/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remakingmanhood/ 

 

Connect with Therese:

Website: www.criticallyspeaking.net

Threads: @critically_speaking

Email: [email protected]

 

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