7) Be inclusive of women

Research suggests that closely-knit all male groups can be at higher risk of developing sexually abusive and violent behaviours towards women. This is particularly the case when group members see it as “normal” to:

• Exclude women from the “inner sanctum” of the group;
• treat behaviours and objects regarded as “feminine” with ridicule or disdain;
• draw a firm line between what is “masculine” and what is “feminine” e.g. men play footy, women watch;
• limit women to certain roles e.g. sex, housework, raising children;
• categorise women as either “sluts” or “good girls”, giving themselves permission to treat women deemed as “sluts” with less respect;
• control and dominate women, telling them what to do and what they should be (and often other men as well).

In contrast, groups who are less likely to develop sexually abusive and violent behaviours towards women see it as “normal” to:

• include both men and women in the “core relationships” that make up the group;
• see behaviours and objects regarded as “feminine” in a positive light;
• find things in common between men and women;
• encounter both men and women in a wide range of work, family and social roles;
• accept that women can initiate and enjoy sex (and are entitled to do so safely);
• allow both men and women to make their own decisions about who they are and what they want to do.

In short, being inclusive of women in a wide range of social groups and roles is a gender violence prevention strategy.

For more information on creating safe, respectful and inclusive sporting environments for women, including your club’s legal obligations in terms of:

• anti-discrimination;
• sexual harassment; and
• child protection

Sources:

Flood M (2003) “Men, Sex and Mateship: How homosociality shapes men’s heterosexual relations”. Paper to (Other) Feminisms: An International Women’s and Gender Studies Conference, University of Queensland, 12-16 July.

Robins G, Kremer P & Lusher D Masculine behaviour and social networks in team structures An AFL Research and Development Project for 2005

The University of Sydney, Playing By The Rules Project: Summary (2004) commissioned by the National Rugby League.