Paul Hopkins: Why it might be time for a Minister for Men

It would be hard to argue against the retort "men are thrash" being back in the everyday lexicon, given the stories breaking about the talentless and self-absorbed Russell Brand and his allegedly sexual predatory actions.

It has taken many decades and the growth of the #MeToo campaign to finally see the outing of sexual deviants, many in Ireland who preyed on children and young women, having held positions of power and trust in religious orders.

Such deviants we find abhorrent. That said, is it really fair to once again utter the retort that "men are thrash"?

No, it's not – because most men are not thrash. Most go about their daily business, unsung heroes, holding down a job, running the farm, raising children or growing into fine leaders in all walks of life. And most, like most of us, suffer the everyday shortfalls of being human – some of such impacting on mental and other health issues.

For many decades women paid the price of living in a patriarchy. And for many decades they fought to liberate themselves from the kitchen sink and the controlling confines of the male-dominated bedroom. Women have succeeded a lot since the days when women journalists – barely a few back then – took the contraceptive train to Belfast. We now have divorce, same-sex marriage and the repeal of the Eighth Amendment, and single women with children are no longer cast out.

Women, thankfully, have come a long way; there's a lot done but more to be done in terms of equal pay, that glass ceiling, exploitation, and adequate and proper childcare facilities and healthcare.

It is also true that men pay a price for living in a patriarchy. Men, traditionally, have not had it as bad as women, but scholars are increasingly pointing to the problems men face in a society that still promotes male domination and traditional standards of masculinity such as assertiveness, competitiveness, and toughness.

Socialisation into masculinity is thought to underlie many of the emotional problems men experience, which stem from a combination of their emotional inexpressiveness and reluctance to admit to, and seek help for, various personal problems, especially when it comes to their mental health. Sometimes these emotional problems build up and explode and express themselves in dark ways, like the husband who murders his wife and children and then turns the gun on himself.

Compared to girls, boys are much more likely to be diagnosed with emotional disorders, learning disabilities, and Attention Deficit Disorder, and here in Ireland and elsewhere young males are more likely to die by suicide.

A Tory MP has suggested that British Premier Rishi Sunak should appoint a Minister for Men, to champion issues like reducing male suicide, improving paternity rights and tackling misogyny. The MP, Nick Fletch, says the role should mirror the existing Minister for Women, arguing it would improve society overall.

He told BBC 4's Women's Hour: "We are failing our young boys, we are failing society. I am sure most of your women listeners would want the men in their lives – their son, their father, their husband, their brother – to do well, to have a healthy life and to have a fulfilling life and be a good part of society."

Best idea I've heard in ages and one we here should seriously consider.

According to my psychologist friend from Magherafelt: "Rigid definitions of masculinity restrict men from expressing vulnerable emotions and decrease their reliance on others. Research shows that threats to masculinity can lead men to react with anger, physical violence and sexism, impacting on relationships."

Growing recognition of the problems men experience because of their socialisation into masculinity has led to increased concern over what is happening to young boys – access to social media and porn notwithstanding. Citing the strong link between masculinity and violence – see any day's newspapers – some would urge parents to raise their sons "differently" (not sure what that means and is another debate in itself) in order to help our society reduce its seemingly increasing violent behaviour.

Gender inequality is found in varying degrees in most societies around the world, and Ireland is no exception. Stereotypes – like "men are thrash" and "women easy" – and false beliefs underlie gender inequality. Are we men still bad at fidelity, bad at sex, bad at washing up, bad at communicating? Although these stereotypes and beliefs have weakened considerably since the 1970s, thanks, as mentioned, to the contemporary women’s movement and the gay rights movements, they still persist.

With men at the brunt of it...