A predominant cliché of the current sociocultural landscape is that, simply put, men are poor at relating not only to others, but to themselves. Commentators have coined the term “toxic masculinity” to explain, at least in part, how boys are socialized to act in accordance with social norms that downplay or even oppose an emphasis on interpersonal capacities including empathy, vulnerability, and sensitivity. Moreover, research and theoretical perspectives generated by experts in the emotional intelligence domain frequently conclude that boys and men are far less competent than girls and women at behaviors associated with relational ability.

In the next in-person meeting of the Men’s Group Seminar on Saturday, July 15, 2023 (10:15 to 11:30 AM), we will attempt to critically evaluate this cliché.  Our effort will center on evaluating a curated sampling of readings that include a commentary on the role of mothers in supporting their sons’ capacity to be relational; the identification of loneliness among men and its link to socialization dynamics; a depiction of men and women as being similar in their relational needs but evidencing stylistic differences in how these needs are met; and more formal academic articles that feature interdependence differences based on gender and a call for how to support boys and men in the development of “healthy masculinities.”

*Registration Directions: If you would like to attend the next in-person meeting of the Men’s Group Seminar on Saturday, July 15, 2023, 10:15 AM to 11:30 AM, please RSVP to me at 949-338-4388 or jt@jamestobinphd.com no later than Thursday, July 13, 2023. The seminar will be held at 15615 Alton Parkway, Suite 450, in Irvine, CA.  The fee is $30.00 and informed consent for participation must be completed prior to the seminar. Please note that the Men’s Group Seminar is psychoeducational in nature, not therapeutic, and does not constitute psychotherapy or counseling.