Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven: Talking Past the Boundaries

The aim of this thesis has been twofold: first, to explore how men in my sample group would cope with an emerging and increasingly accepted form of interaction, when given the opportunity to discuss issues of a personal and intimate nature, as they impact upon their masculine identities. The second objective was to examine this form of interaction as a context within which the value of this medium, as a forum where men could comfortably discuss personal issues, could be evaluated.

In utilising this means of communication, however, it has not been my intention to question or undermine 'conventional' means of interaction where emotional disclosure and understanding of the masculine self is sought. Rather my purpose has been to demonstrate the potential of this medium as it can be used to assist men in the exploration of their emotional 'selves'.

It is clear that men and masculinity are undergoing some form of crisis in contemporary society, and that there is a need to address this. It is also clear that men are increasingly seeking to express more of themselves than is currently advocated by 'traditional' male sex-role expectations. In contemporary society, men have very few resources where they may discuss their concerns and feelings within an atmosphere that is non-judgemental. This is an important consideration for many men who may wish to talk about themselves, as it directly affects the degree to which they feel comfortable in terms of self-disclosure. As such, this study has provided some insight into the way in which the Internet can be used to encourage men to talk about themselves in a way that does not threaten or disturb other men's views of them, or their own view of themselves.

In this study, the data generated were rich and insightful, despite some early problematic concerns. By employing hermeneutic-phenomenology as my 'theoretical' and analytical frameworks, it is clear that the data were eminently capable of 'voicing' the thoughts and recollections of my co-investigators. It has demonstrated the fact that it is possible to convene alternative methods of interaction for men who wish to talk about their emotions and feelings, and where they are less likely to be judged about what they say in terms of sex-role expectations. The potential of this alternate forum is yet to be investigated and as such remains undeveloped.

The first three thematic statements, pertaining to the medium of communication utilised in this study, demonstrated clearly that this form of interaction is capable of encouraging, maintaining and sustaining an environment where men feel comfortable enough to engage in dialogue that they would ordinarily be hesitant to discuss. I feel that my co-investigators were able to express their thoughts and feelings about themselves, as men, in a way which did not cause or inflict any undue stress or concern. Rather it provided them with a venue to reflect upon their lives in ways not previously available, with a technology and research process which locates them as central and active, reflexive beings. The men frequently commented that self-disclosure helped them in their daily lives and gave them the feedback and depth of understanding which they had been searching for in their adult lives.

I am confident of my findings, in terms of their authenticity and relevance to the problem of understanding and helping men in times of change. I am also convinced that this form of interaction can provide sufficient evidence, in terms of its ability to encourage men to talk about themselves, to warrant earnest and extensive research in the future.

This study was very much a preliminary and exploratory research 'journey'. As such, and although it has proven to be both potent and enigmatic, I, as a researcher, am mindful of an important issue that plagues all social researchers: claims of credibility and authenticity of findings. In my case, I cannot give an iron-clad guarantee that these people are really men, even though I have gone to some lengths to make sure this is so. What I can declare, however is that this study has been of immeasurable importance in the lives of my co-investigators, and myself.

The inherent implications of this study are such that men must be seen as needing some form of space where they can speak, not only as men, but as human beings. This means accepting that men want to step outside of the constraints of hegemonic ideals of masculinity, and conceding that no human virtue or emotion should be seen as being indicative of any specific gender or expectation. This is particularly important in light of the fact that men currently have little recourse to resources which may assist them in becoming more aware of themselves and in understanding their own behaviour. If the electronic environment can assist in the promotion of a new awareness, or a new sense of self, then it is within our means to do so, as social researchers. The technology is here, the desire to utilise it is evident and it should therefore be welcomed.