Easy to Oppose, Difficult to Propose

Abstract

Debates are ongoing on whether man can engage in gender change and challenge hegemonic masculinities. The study aimed to analyze in what ways young Ecuadorian men—currently or recently involved in activism to advance gender equality and reproductive rights—defined different masculinities, hegemonic and alternative. We used Grounded Theory to collect and analyze three focus group discussions and 15 individual interviews with 30 young activist men in Ecuador. A core category captured the process of defining masculinities: ‘Moving from passive acceptance of machismo to critical reflection and action’ that in turn linked to three theoretical categories: ‘Opposing machismo’, ‘From machos to men’, and ‘Inspiring opposition to machismo’. We drew upon framing theory in social movement studies to interpret the findings and thereby enhance the theory of hegemonic masculinity. Young activist men successfully framed the problem and motives for collective mobilization, but they wavered when it came to framing solutions.