‘How do I really want to be as a man?’ Masculinities, critical consciousness, and contraceptive decision-making – findings from an interview study in Germany

This paper examines how men in Germany reflect on (their) masculinities in the context of contraception and family planning. Through twelve qualitative interviews, three of which were couple interviews, the paper identifies two core dynamics: i) a move away from hegemonic masculinities towards alternative or caring versions of manhood; and ii) a shift from critical consciousness towards more gender-equitable contraceptive decision-making. (Self-) care and different positive and negative male role models are key themes in the first dynamic. The second dynamic documents how various life events and biographical narratives are central in forming a shift to more gender-equitable contraceptive decision-making. We apply and develop Freire's critical pedagogy to discourses in sexual and reproductive health and rights to argue that a self-reflective, conscious stance on masculinities can critically support gender-equitable contraceptive decision-making processes. Freire's theories offer a useful tool for advancing theory and practice in sexual and reproductive health and rights in Germany and elsewhere, moving beyond simply engaging men and boys and instead building a culture of continuous learning, reflection and action on the question of how one want to really be as a man.