Research from the mayor of London’s office suggests that there is a latent desire among a majority of men to intervene when they witness misogynistic behaviour. Two in three men wish to step in but do not feel that they have the language or tools to take action, according to the study. That there are some men who would welcome an opportunity to develop best practice around intervention is worth taking in good faith – addressing a lack of accountability among male social groups should certainly figure within broader strategies to prevent violence against women and girls.
The repeated failure of men who genuinely abhor misogyny to speak up and intervene, whether when overhearing casual sexist comments or witnessing sexual harassment, can be attributed to many things: herd mentality, discomfort, fear of backlash or ostracisation, or simply not knowing what to say. It is not necessarily a complex issue – you’d be forgiven for having zero patience for men who are bystanders – but it is one that requires careful engagement and a strategy that poses serious cultural challenges to male socialisation. Does the mayor of London truly believe that “Maaate” is that challenge, or a sufficient solution?
