Addressing Systemic Issues in Sexual Violence
“If it takes a village to raise a child, it also takes a village to raise a rapist,” states Jackson Katz. He emphasizes the need to confront the societal systems that produce perpetrators, arguing that these individuals are not isolated monsters, but products of a broader culture that must be examined and transformed.
A Men’s Issue
For over four decades, Katz, a dedicated researcher and activist, has asserted that violence against women should be recognized as a men’s issue. He actively engages with communities across the U.S., including universities, schools, and military settings, encouraging men to challenge misogynistic behavior within their circles. His belief is clear: to put an end to violence against women, men must hold themselves responsible for their actions. The stakes have grown higher since the re-election of Donald Trump, as Katz feels a renewed urgency in his mission.
The Impact of Trump’s Election
Katz reflects on the repercussions of the recent election, calling it a significant setback for domestic abuse prevention efforts. “Seventy-seven million Americans voted for Trump despite his being found liable for sexual abuse,” Katz shares from his study in Massachusetts. He notes that such voting behavior normalizes toxic conduct and has unleashed rampant misogyny across the nation.
Funding Cuts and Legislative Backlash
The political climate has led to drastic funding cuts for organizations dedicated to combating gender-based violence, alongside an attack on the mandate set out in the Violence Against Women Act of 1994. Katz explains, “Funding for numerous nonprofits is being stalled, particularly those that work to support women. There’s a concerted effort to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, while programs focused on women are increasingly scrutinized. Those working in this field feel lost and alarmed by the current moment—it’s reminiscent of medieval times, with progress being rolled back significantly.”
The Rise of Misogyny Among Young Men
Katz has also observed a growing trend of young men openly advocating misogynistic ideals online, often branding him as a “virtue-signalling cuck” or “beta male.” He points out that while young people are traditionally perceived as more progressive, recent trends show that 56% of male voters aged 18 to 29 supported Trump—a stark contrast to just 40% of women in the same age group.
A Global Backlash Against Women’s Progress
“We’re witnessing a backlash against women’s advancements. The past 50 years have brought undeniable challenges to patriarchal norms. Trumpism and right-wing populism represent not just a revolt against elites, but a pushback against feminism itself,” Katz asserts. He believes that figures like Trump have marketed themselves alongside the men’s movement, transforming abusive subcultures into mainstream ideologies. Katz calls for a collective response, urging people to stand up against this narrative, saying, “It’s imperative to challenge voices like Andrew Tate and Jordan Peterson, who have large platforms promoting regressive ideologies.”
A Call to Action for Men
Katz addresses men directly in his new book, Every Man: Why Violence Against Women Is a Men’s Issue, which serves as a guide for how men can take a stand against gender-based violence. Katz notes it may be the first time a major publisher has put forth a book on this topic authored by a man. “Historically, men have engaged with these issues, yet the publication of such a book by a male author remains shocking,” he says. “This book is a toolkit for men to actively participate in this struggle.”
A Personal Journey Toward Activism
Katz was born in 1960 in a small town near Boston and was raised in a culture whose social dynamics centered around American football and basketball. Following the death of his biological father during World War II, his stepfather, a factory worker, played a significant role in his upbringing. While he excelled as a football player in high school, it was during his college years at the University of Massachusetts Amherst that Katz began to grasp the deep-rooted issues of sexism and the struggles faced by women and marginalized communities.
Transformative Experiences
During the 1970s, he became increasingly aware of societal issues related to racism and sexual assault, which formed the foundation for his future activism. “I quickly saw how gender serves as a key organizer in our society and realized that addressing gender issues should be the first step in advocating for change,” Katz explains. “As a young man, I could walk home at night without fear, while my female peers were constantly aware of their safety.”
Advocacy Through Education
Katz’s involvement in gender studies led to him becoming the first man at his college to minor in women’s studies. After graduation, he founded the anti-sexist men’s group, Real Men, in 1988. Katz recognizes the importance of institutions in inspiring change, arguing that it requires a commitment to challenging harmful behaviors within male-dominated environments.
Empowering Peers to Speak Up
At the core of Katz’s work is the desire to empower men to actively intervene in instances of sexism and misconduct. Through programs like the Mentors in Violence Prevention and workshops with role models from sports and military backgrounds, Katz motivates men to speak out against harmful behavior. “Many men feel uncomfortable confronting their peers but fear losing social status. By addressing this issue head-on, we can encourage more men to speak out,” he notes.
Creating a Culture of Responsibility
Katz believes in fostering an environment where men take on leadership roles in advocating for women and confronting abusive behavior. The bystander approach he has championed encourages peers to support victims and intervene without placing the full burden on them. “It’s about reframing the narrative: standing up for what’s right is the true sign of strength,” he asserts.
The Importance of Sustained Advocacy
With political forces opposing much of his advocacy, Katz stresses the importance of resilience and vocal opposition from men. “We can’t teach boys that bullying is wrong while simultaneously rewarding bullies like Trump,” he emphasizes. The urgency for men to take a stand is more critical than ever, as societal values hang in the balance.
A Commitment to Future Generations
As a father, Katz recognizes his duty to model positive behavior for young people. “We owe it to those who haven’t chosen to be part of a patriarchal society to educate ourselves and each other,” he advocates. “Challenging peer dynamics, sharing knowledge, and ensuring our voices drown out those promoting abusive norms is essential.”
Every Man: Why Violence Against Women Is a Men’s Issue (Penguin, £10.99) is available now, inviting men to join this vital conversation and contribute to positive change.
