Communicative acts which promote new masculinities. Overcoming hegemonic masculinity in the work-place

Scientific literature has emphasized how the reproduction of hegemonic masculinity has led to several social problems, such as gender violence, criminality or bullying (Connell 1987, 2005, 2006; Kimmel 2000, Messerschimdt, 1993, Bourdieu 1998). Labour inequalities are not an exception; in fact there are several findings about the influence of this model in cases of sexual harassment suffered by women in the work-place (Mackinnon, 1979; Thomas & Kitzinger1997; Wise & Stanley 1987). However, there is a lack of research and analysis about the processes for overcoming the problems caused by hegemonic masculinity in the work area. In this paper we will present evidence of these processes of overcoming derived from the research project entitled Impact of communicative acts on the construction of new masculinities funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, in the Research and Development Programme (2010-2011), and leaded by the University of Barcelona. The research illustrates the influence of communicative acts on the promotion of new masculinities, far removed from the hegemonic one, which are based on values like equality and solidarity. One of the case-studies carried out in the project focuses on the world of work. So, we will present some data about how specific communicative acts can favour the recognition and visibility of new masculinities in the work-place, specifically in a Small and Medium-sized Enterprise and a health-related organization. The aforementioned research project shows the link between communicative acts based on desire – including verbal and non verbal ones - and new masculinities; and at the same time their usefulness in the prevention of gender inequality.