Communicative acts which promote new masculinities. Overcoming hegemonic masculinity in the workplace and school

Scientific literature has emphasized how the reproduction of hegemonic masculinity has led to several social problems, such as gender violence, criminality or bullying (Connell 1987, 2005, 2006; Kimmel 2000, Messerschimdt, 1993, Bourdieu 1998). There are several findings about the influence of this model in cases of sexual harassment suffered by women in the workplace (Mackinnon, 1979; Thomas & Kitzinger1997; Wise & Stanley 1987) as well as hegemonic masculinity and homophobia at the school (Mac an Ghaill 2007). In this paper we will present evidence on both issues but also on overcoming process derived from the research project entitled Impact of communicative acts on the construction of new masculinities funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. The research illustrates the influence of communicative acts on the promotion of new masculinities, far removed from the hegemonic one, which are based on values like equality and solidarity. We will present some data about how specific communicative acts can favour the recognition and visibility of new masculinities in the workplace and the School, specifically in a Small and Mediumsized Enterprise, an Adult Education centre and Vocational School