Conversations about Masculinity: Focus on Changing Gender Roles

Conversations about Masculinity: Focus on Changing Gender Roles

On May 13, 2025, the event “Conversations about Masculinity” took place at the Literaturhaus St. Jakobi in Hildesheim, initiated by Prof. Dr. Toni Tohlen. The aim of the discussion series is to discuss gender and masculinity in literature, science and society. The next date in this series is May 21st at 7:30 p.m., where the journalist and writer Christian Baron will be a guest.

Baron's debut novel, A Man of His Class, explores the challenges of growing up in poverty, alcoholism, and violence. It addresses the social divides in Germany and concerns about increasing poverty, a central theme of his follow-up “Schön ist die Nacht”, which is set in the West German 1970s. Here, Baron illuminates the struggles of characters like Willy, who strives for a normal life, and Horst, who, disillusioned by the lack of opportunities for advancement, chooses questionable means to survive. The stories reflect the reality of many working-class people and criticize the ignorance of their living conditions.

Gender issues and social classes

Prof. Dr. Toni Tohlen highlights that men are increasingly showing interest in gender issues and are seeking dialogue. The events will particularly examine the transformation of gender relations. Tohlen encourages participants to engage intensively with feminist and queer insights. The discussions focus on how patriarchal worldviews have social, personal and collective effects.

Christian Baron, who emphasizes in several essays and discussions that the perspectives of the working class must be included in political debates, asks in his works about the responsibility of society towards its disadvantaged members. His books paint a nuanced picture of the rise from the lower class and the challenges that people from poorer backgrounds face.

Experience-oriented conversations

The events are experience-oriented and encourage active contributions from the audience. Participants can ask questions that often shed light on the topics of gender identity and social contexts. After the discussions, these will be made available in the form of a podcast, which can be published on the website of the Center for Gender Studies at the University of Hildesheim: Center for Gender Studies.

In the context of Baron's work it becomes clear that the examination of masculinity and social classes is also closely linked to a critical view of current social trends. Baron's autobiographical experiences, reflected in his first novel, may also provide the basis for raising particularly relevant questions in these conversations.

The film “A Man of His Class,” based on the book of the same name, will also be broadcast on ARD on October 2, 2024 and may inspire many new listeners and viewers to grapple with the complex issues surrounding masculinity and social justice.