BoyTalk: A Dialogistic and Critical Theory Analysis of its Potential Impact and Structure
Author
Moltzau, Sturla Tyr Richardson
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2025
Submitted on
2025-05-30
Pages
71
Abstract
This exploratory study examines the need for a gender‑matched, one‑to‑one (dyadic) online counselling service for males, proposed as BoyTalk, taking into account the existing GirlTalk model. The work is grounded in an interpretivist approach that views meaning and the self as co‑constructed in dialogue and shaped by cultural narratives and norms. It draws on dialogical frameworks—specifically the Dialogical Theory of Selfhood and Culturally Inclusive Action Theory—to understand identity, and engages the critical tradition, particularly Simone de Beauvoir. From this lens, the study considers how the traditional masculinity/femininity split not only historically cast men in an oppressor role but today can function as a cage that limits men’s ability to embrace positive norms associated with femininity—especially help‑seeking and emotional vulnerability. Methodologically, it is informed by constructivist and critical epistemologies rather than an objectivist biological perspective. The study explores how GirlTalk’s current conversation practices can be modelled within a dialogical framework and adapted for BoyTalk. These include the Socratic method (guided questioning), radical acceptance and positive regard (a non‑judgmental, respectful stance), and mentalizing activities (understanding one’s own and others’ thoughts and feelings). It examines how these approaches could be applied to issues such as bullying, finding a partner, small penis anxiety and micropenises, consent, academic attainment, loneliness, suicide, well‑being, and neurodivergence. It also considers how BoyTalk’s presence, image, and marketing might influence wider culture; how a dialogical framework could guide BoyTalk’s organization to respond flexibly to barriers; and which structural realities should be considered when setting it up. Based on the findings, the study suggests there is likely a need for such a service and that it could have positive effects for individual users, as well as broader cultural and scientific impact nationally and internationally.
Dette eksplorative studie undersøger behovet for et kønsmatchet, 1‑til‑1 (dyadisk) online‑rådgivningstilbud til mænd under navnet BoyTalk, set i lyset af at GirlTalk allerede eksisterer. Afhandlingen bygger på en interpretivistisk videnskabsteori, som ser mening og selvet som noget, der skabes i dialog og præges af kulturens fortællinger og normer. Den tager afsæt i dialogiske rammer som den dialogiske teori om selvet (Dialogical Theory of Selfhood) og Culturally Inclusive Action Theory for at forstå identitet, og trækker samtidig på den kritiske tradition, særligt Simone de Beauvoir. Med dette afsæt undersøges, hvordan den normative dikotomi mellem maskulinitet og femininitet historisk har placeret mænd i en undertrykkerrolle, men i dag også kan fungere som et bur, der begrænser mænds mulighed for at identificere sig med positive normer knyttet til femininitet – især at søge hjælp og vise følelsesmæssig sårbarhed. Metodisk er studiet forankret i konstruktivistiske og kritiske erkendelsesteorier frem for en objektivistisk biologisk tilgang. Studiet gennemgår, hvordan GirlTalks praksisser kan forstås i en dialogisk ramme og overføres til BoyTalk. Det omfatter den sokratiske metode (styret spørgsmålsteknik), radikal accept og positiv anerkendelse (en ikke‑dømmende, respektfuld tilgang) samt mentaliserende aktiviteter (at forstå egne og andres tanker og følelser). Der ses på, hvordan disse tilgange kan anvendes på temaer som mobning, at finde en partner, bekymring over lille penis og mikropenis, samtykke, faglige præstationer, ensomhed, selvmord, trivsel og neurodivergens. Derudover undersøges, hvordan BoyTalks tilstedeværelse, image og markedsføring kan påvirke den bredere kultur, hvordan en dialogisk ramme kan bruges til at organisere BoyTalk, så det fleksibelt kan imødegå barrierer, samt hvilke strukturelle forhold man bør overveje ved etableringen. På baggrund af resultaterne peger studiet på, at der sandsynligvis er behov for en sådan tjeneste, og at den kan have positive effekter for individuelle brugere samt bredere kulturel og videnskabelig betydning nationalt og internationalt.
[This apstract has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]
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