A new trend is sweeping British universities: male-only student groups aiming to redefine masculinity, but they're sparking heated debate. At the forefront of this controversy are Manchester University's MENS Society – Masculinity Exploring Networking and Support – and Oxford University's Man Collective – Oxford (MC-O).
Both initiatives have been met with criticism from those who view them as promoting sexism and reinforcing traditional masculine stereotypes. Detractors argue that these groups are merely a disguise for 'macho activities' rather than genuine support networks.
Supporters, however, insist that these societies are essential for young men navigating the complexities of modern masculinity. Alex Linsley, 20, founder of MC-O, expressed concerns about the conflicting messages men receive regarding their roles and identities, citing a perceived confusion between 'sensitive' and 'hard' personas.
The Manchester MENS Society, with over 306 members – including women – claims its focus extends beyond exploring masculinity to raising awareness for men's mental health issues, such as depression linked to traditional masculine expectations. Founder Ben Wild, 21, highlighted the lack of existing initiatives addressing these specific concerns.
Despite these arguments, opponents remain unconvinced. Olivia Bailey, NUS national women's officer, questioned the necessity of male-only groups, stating that gender-based discrimination against men is largely non-existent. Kat Wall, Oxford University's student union vice president for women, accused MC-O's founder of perpetuating stereotypes, particularly given his initial invitation to join the group, which asked, "Have you got balls? Literally. If you have how does that make you feel?"
However, both groups have also received positive feedback, with some observers noting a lack of resources available for men's self-improvement compared to those readily available for women. The founders believe these platforms will enable men to learn from each other and take steps towards understanding their place in society.