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Article
What’s in a Name? A Synthesis of “Allyship” Elements From Academic and Activist Literature
Journal of Family Violence
  • Juliana Carlson
  • Cliff Leek
  • Erin Casey, University of Washington Tacoma
  • Rich Tolman
  • Christopher Allen
Publication Date
7-31-2019
Document Type
Article
Abstract

Within men’s activism to address gender inequities and prevent gender-based violence, and social justice movements more broadly, questions about the usefulness and limitations of the term ‘allyship’ have surfaced. Moreover, studies demonstrate that social justice activists with privilege often perpetuate inequalities, perhaps despite their best intentions. To explicate the current understanding of allyship and to apply it to male activism, this paper synthesized the primary elements of allyship as defined by 40 activist and academic sources. Eight unique and discrete themes surfaced: constant action of the “everyday ally”; prioritizing a structural analysis of oppression and privilege; non-self absorbed and accountable self-reflection; amplify marginalized voices; welcome criticism and be accountable; listen+shut up+read, ally is not a self-adhesive label; and allyship: unlikely or undesirable?. While surfacing as discrete concepts, the themes inter-relatedness and interdependence appeared equally crucial. The implications of this synthesis for allyship discourse and scholarship are offered. This synthesis provides conceptual and practical insights that can be applied to men’s gender equity promotion and gender-based violence prevention work.

DOI
10.1007/s10896-019-00073-z
Publisher Policy
pre print, post print (12 month embargo)
Citation Information
Juliana Carlson, Cliff Leek, Erin Casey, Rich Tolman, et al.. "What’s in a Name? A Synthesis of “Allyship” Elements From Academic and Activist Literature" Journal of Family Violence (2019) p. 1 - 10
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/erin-casey/50/