A male ally (often referred to simply as an ally) is a man who actively supports gender equality and equal civil rights. Individuals may meet this designation through their actions without actively identifying as an ally.[1]
Historical background
editThe earliest recorded instances of male allyship were acts carried out by the Men's League for Women's Suffrage in the UK and its sister organisation the Men's League in the US. Men within these groups, including James Lees Laidlaw and Henry Brailsford provided critical support to the women’s suffrage movement, including speeches, fundraising and lobbying government officials.[2]
During the second wave of feminism in the 1970s, anti-sexist men’s groups such as Men Against Patriarchy (MAP) in Australia formed, and men such as George Brewster and Walter McFall actively advocated for women in engineering with their roles as part of the Society of Women Engineers.[3]
In more recent history, international organizations such as the White Ribbon Campaign, He For She and the MenEngage Alliance advocate for men to engage in allyship. Small but growing number of men around the world are becoming involved in gender equality activism, including the prevention of violence against women and girls and tackling sexism in the workplace.[4]
Present day
editThe term entered widespread use during the 2010s, in large part due to the MeToo movement. Its usage has grown, becoming especially common in diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace, since the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent international protests in May 2020. Its use has also increased through those who work within occupational sexism such as Good Guys author Brad Johnson, Lee Chambers of Male Allies UK and sociologist Michael Flood.[5]
Criticism
editThe term has faced some criticism, with potential allies overestimating the impact they are making, taking space from women in their desire to support and centering themselves without realising the implications of this.[6]
Notable male allies
editSee also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Definition of ALLY". www.merriam-webster.com. 2024-07-27. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
- ^ "Men's League for Women's Suffrage". Spartacus Educational. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
- ^ "A Look at Male Allyship, Past and Present - All Together". 2021-10-21. Retrieved 2024-08-06.
- ^ "Anti-sexist men's groups: An XY collection | www.xyonline.net". xyonline.net. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
- ^ Johnson, W. Brad; Smith, David G. (2022-08-05). "Men, Stop Calling Yourselves Allies. Act Like One". Harvard Business Review. ISSN 0017-8012. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
- ^ Smith, David G.; Johnson, W. Brad; Lee, Kim Graham; Thebeau, Jeanette (2022-10-07). "Research: Men Are Worse Allies Than They Think". Harvard Business Review. ISSN 0017-8012. Retrieved 2024-08-05.