Re-defining masculinity and gender capital

2. Good practice: Safe spaces and shared interests

Examples of good practice from Australia: The Albany Speedway, The Gascoyne Dash

Two motor sports organizations in Australia represent a learning opportunity for volunteers in these organizations, because learning and education in other forms (learning through adult and community education) for these men was either unavailable, inaccessible or inappropriate regarding their expectations and interests. For them to participate and contribute to a public event, informal community learning was necessary and much of that learning was through participating and doing. These two organizations represent a safe space for men from diverse backgrounds, who shared a similar interest in machines. They became active members of the community and contributed to community events themselves.

Reflect

Can you think of some common interests’ men in your community might share?

• Golding, B. (2009). Older men’s lifelong learning: Common threads/sheds. In J. Field, J. Gallacher & R. Ingram (Eds.), Researching transitions in lifelong learning (pp. 65-75). London: Routledge.
• Golding, B. (2010). The big picture on men’s (and boy’s) learning. Australian Journal of Adult Learning, 50(1), 54-74.
• Golding, B., Brown, M., Foley, A., & Harvey, J. (2009). Men’s learning and wellbeing through community organisations in Western Australia. Report to Western Australia Department of Education and Training. Ballarat: University of Ballarat.

Web links:

• Albany Motor Speedway
• "The Dash" website