Internalizing the Present in the Articulation of the Future: Masculinity, Inequality and trying on new Possible Selves

Blower, Alex and Rainford, Jon (2023). Internalizing the Present in the Articulation of the Future: Masculinity, Inequality and trying on new Possible Selves. Boyhood Studies. An Interdisciplinary Journal, 16(2) pp. 109–132.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3167/bhs.2023.160207

Abstract

Young men, especially from working-class backgrounds, often lack the space, capacity or opportunity to reflect upon masculinities and their role in shaping future trajectories. By devising mechanisms to engage young men differently in creative activities, participants were supported to think beyond assumed futures and explore new possibilities. Mobilizing the theory of possible selves, the paper draws on data across three creative university outreach workshops in England with 18 participants who were given the opportunity to explore masculinities using creative writing, photography and dance/movement. Combining artefact analysis and semi structured interviews, the article argues that these workshops created safe spaces for young men to articulate their concerns and fears about harm and risk in everyday life, whilst facilitating an exploration of alternative possible selves.

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