Man Up: A Study on the Perspectives of Filipino Male Partners towards Women Empowerment in Metro Manila

Abstract

Throughout history, there are certain gendered roles attached to a man and a woman. Society has constructed ways and behaviors in which people are expected to act, think, and speak accordingly. Certain activities and assignments are trusted to a specific gender. As society progressed, people become more sensitive to this unequal treatment and role distribution and aware of the discrimination that both genders are facing. With the shift in roles and norms, women were given a chance to uphold their rights and be empowered in different ways. It has been established that as societies become non-traditional and women become more empowered, there may still be societies and people who find it difficult to adapt to these. In women empowerment, especially regarding the autonomy of women, can be a factor in men choosing or being a part of one’s relationship. Given this, the study aimed to explore how the perspective of male partners towards women empowerment affect their partner relationship and preference. The study made use of a phenomenology qualitative method with semi-structured interviews to Filipino male partners aged 20-40 years old, who are currently in a relationship for at least a year, and are residing in Metro Manila. The data from the interviews was analyzed by grouping significant statements from the participants into meaning units that lead to four themes namely: Concept of Women Empowerment Is Familiar, Preconceived Gendered Roles Are No Longer Evident, Male Partners Accept The Changing View On Women, The Empowered Empowers. The study will be relevant in providing a deeper understanding regarding men’s views, specifically of the male partners, on women empowerment: their preference and interaction in relationships, the understanding of experiences each other face; knowledge regarding heterosexual relationships and women empowerment. This study will be able to gain a more in-depth look into the mechanisms of men and their view on women empowerment and how it may affect their partner relationship and preference. Standard ethical practice in the conduct of research was closely observed and followed throughout the study.