Neoliberal Hegemonic Masculinity and McMindfulness: The Need for Buddhist Values and Principles in Mindful Masculinity Programs

Abstract

This paper explores how certain Buddhist-inspired principles such as impermanence of self and compassion for all (metta) and the practice of mindfulness can contribute to challenging ways in which young men adopt troublesome aspects of systemic patriarchy. It (1) briefly examines the problem of systemic patriarchy in its most dominant forms, neoliberal hegemonic masculinity and right-wing racist authoritarian masculinity; (2) critically discusses examples of mindfulness education and counseling programs for young men that have been severed from their Buddhist origins (McMindfulness) that attempt to challenge young men around patriarchal beliefs and thoughts but end up reproducing neoliberal hegemonic masculinity; (3) briefly considers the problem of McMindfulness and its relation to Buddhism and neoliberal hegemonic and mindful masculinity; and (4) offers Buddhist perspectives as part of a counter-view that may serve within programs as an alternative to current forms of patriarchy while including and renewing the aforementioned Buddhist principles.

Mindfulness research and applications in the context of neoliberalism: A narrative and critical review

“…So how did this ancient practice transition into today's scientific and mainstream phenomenon, experiencing exponential research growth (see Baminiwatta & Solangaarachchi, 2021) and evolving into a multibillion‐dollar industry (Berthon & Pitt, 2019) within recent decades? Whilst Mindfulness is acclaimed for its effects on physical and mental health (for meta‐analyses, see Grossman et al., 2004; Khoury et al., 2015), many authors with backgrounds in economic, educational and social sciences (e.g., Carvalho & Grácio, 2022; Forbes, 2017, 2022; Purser, 2021; Reveley, 2016; Walsh, 2016) have written about Corporate Mindfulness and Mindfulness in education as ways of perpetuating and promoting a neoliberal agenda unveiling its relationship with a profit‐driven logic. However, social psychologists especially have been less vocal on the matter and its impact on individuals and groups, while they can enrich the psychology of Mindfulness with a contextual, social and societal perspective.…”