Positive Narratives to inspire men and boys to thrive in a world of equality

Men and boys are navigating profound uncertainties about their roles in rapidly changing societies. While feminist and gender justice movements have successfully challenged harmful norms, dominant strategies often emphasise critique, moral obligation, or dismantling privilege. These approaches, though essential, can inadvertently leave many men feeling excluded or defensive, creating fertile ground for regressive ideologies that offer belonging, certainty, and purpose - while promoting a return to oppressive patriarchal social norms. This backlash is increasingly visible in online “manosphere” communities and in the growing political divide between young men and women. Positive Narratives is an evidence-based framework developed by the MenEngage Europe Positive Narratives Working Group and coordinated by PathForge. It offers a pragmatic, constructive method for engaging “men in the middle” – those neither committed to gender equity nor deeply resistant to it – through narratives that are emotionally resonant, culturally relevant, and solution-oriented. Positive narratives provide “carrots” that link gender-equitable change to men’s own aspirations for fulfilment, belonging, health, and purpose. Based on a synthesis of existing practices, psychological research, and consultations with practitioners, the framework identifies eight guiding principles for narrative design and offers specific examples which are adaptable to diverse contexts and can be embedded in education, social work, community practice, and public discourse. The framework is particularly relevant for social workers and allied professionals who engage daily with boys and men in schools, families, communities, and online spaces. It equips practitioners with practical tools to move beyond critique, offering culturally sensitive entry points for dialogue and interventions. It also supports interdisciplinary collaboration across psychology, education, public health, and digital media, recognising that systemic transformation requires both policy shifts and compelling cultural narratives. Ultimately, the Positive Narratives approach seeks to supplement critical work with constructive storytelling that shows men a meaningful place in equitable societies. It positions social workers and allied professionals as facilitators of new pathways to thriving, connection, and justice. This preliminary work calls for continued empirical testing, cross-cultural contextualisation, and interdisciplinary cooperation to ensure that positive narratives become a scalable, accountable, and effective contribution to evidence-informed practice and policy for gender justice.