Critical social work with men: challenging men's complicity in the reproduction of patriarchy and male privilege

This article explores the contribution of critical masculinity studies for profeminist practice with men in social work. It specifically focuses on the implications of this critical theoretical work for understanding patriarchy and male privilege. It argues that critical social work practice with men must be located within the context of patriarchy and the social divisions between men. The paper outlines six key pillars of patriarchy and argues that men need to understand patriarchy as a precursor for acknowledging their complicity within it. Patriarchy Awareness Workshops for men are advocated as a practice for educating men about their complicity in women's oppression and encouraging them to take responsibility for challenging their unearned advantages.