Conference Aims
The Conference is aimed at achieving the following outcomes -
To serve as a catalyst for a shift in men's culture, which is seen as a necessary step to improving the wellbeing of the whole community.
To establish the directions and actions that will be taken by the various stakeholders in achieving this change.
The conference will address the following questions:
What are the gaps in our knowledge?
What can we do in the short-term?
What can we do in the long-term?
What are the issues for governments to address?
What are the issues for MAN and other organisations to address?
The Conference will have six streams divided into two main sections:
Becoming a Man
conditioning of infant boys
development of boys
transition from boyhood to manhood
Being a Man
men and work: striking a balance
men and relationships
men and ageing
The following outcomes are
sought in the individual streams:
1. Conditioning of infant boys Identify the conditioning of infant boys into desirable and
undesirable modes of masculine behaviour. How can we care for the infant boy while developing his
masculinity? Understand the need for nurturing by both parents. 2. Development of boys Understand the important role of the family in the raising of
boys, particularly fathers and other significant adult males. Understand the biological and social differences between boys
and girls, the different rates of development and learning styles, the need to
adjust teaching styles to the gender of pupils, plus the role community
organisations can play in the development of boys. 3. Transition from boyhood to manhood Understand the important role that fathers and other
significant adult males play in providing appropriate models of manhood to
adolescent males, the need for appropriate rites of passage in today’s
society, through the development of self-awareness and consideration of the
needs of others. The need for young men to establish their autonomy and
independence through opportunities to meet and master challenges and develop a
vision or dream for their life. Understand the emotional upheaval of adolescence, the role
that mentors play, foster a sense of citizenship within the young male and
assist young men to appreciate the differences between males and females. 4. Men and work Understand the changing nature of work and men’s roles in
modern Australian society. Assist employers and employees to facilitate a balance between
work, relationships and personal interests. 5. Men and relationships Understand the spiritual dimension of a man’s being as the
foundation to having sound relationships with others. Understand the skills that men require in developing sound
relationships. Support men in their role as parents through promoting
positive fathering and encouraging cooperative parenting, plus understand the
important role that a father’s positive involvement plays in raising a well
adjusted child. 6. Men and ageing Recognise the importance of positive ageing and the
differences in the needs of men from various backgrounds. Explore the implications of retirement on the one hand and
extended working life on the other. Recognise the importance of the mentoring of adolescent males
and younger men and support the needs of older men who wish to be volunteers. Recognise the importance of contact groups to sustain and
support older men.