College and University Blog
University of Chicago Forms First Male Advocacy Group, Men in Power
For over a century, the battle of the sexes has driven much political controversy. The power that men held over western culture and society centuries ago and thus the suffrage and oppression of women, provoked several waves of liberation crusades of culture versus legislature. Women’s efforts through these feminist movements over the last century to gain not just cultural equality but clout and respectability, has made a deep impact in today’s society, so much so that some believe men’s vitality in the workplace and higher education may be in jeopardy.
Men in Power
Steve Salterelli, a third-year student attending the University of Chicago, feels so strongly about an overall decline in “manly fortitude,” he has formed a group called Men in Power, a men’s advocacy group and the first of its kind to ever be formed at the University. Salterelli and a group of several other students, including a woman, who is the group’s Director of Outreach, believe that “true equality means groups that advocate for men as well as women.”
Troubled by the shrinking number of men to gain bachelor’s degrees (100 for every 135 gained by women) and master’s degrees (100 for every 150 gained by women) and men’s general display of reluctancy when it comes to pursuing alumni networking support, Salterelli felt it beneficial to create an outlet where men could learn how to feel comfortable engaging opportunity as opposed to shirking it.
In an article by the Chicago Tribune entitled ‘Power’ Move by Male Students Ruffles U. of C., the writer states, “Saltarelli hopes Men in Power will help more men get ahead while raising awareness of the male experience.” “If we have good men in our society, everyone benefits,” he said."