Fluid masculinities locked in the 'primary' box

Masculinity is not a rigid trait with which someone is born; rather, masculinity is enacted in the social world, within people’s daily lives and practices. According to Connell and Messerschmidt (2005) masculinities are arrangements of practices that are accomplished in social action and therefore, differ according to the gender relations in a particular social setting. In this brief address, I will discuss how the concept of fluid masculinities is in tensions with some practices in primary education. I will look at a recently-­‐launched boys’ education program at a primary school in South Western Sydney to argue the meanings of “boys’ education” and boys’ masculinities in contemporary society