Poet and educator JJ Bola explores how long-standing myths and societal norms around masculinity affect the mental health, relationships, and self-esteem of boys and men.

Feminist theory and activism have made a great impact on modern society by pointing out how traditional gender norms have disadvantaged women in both the public and private spheres.

The negative ways in which patriarchy and traditional notions of masculinity impact the lives of men and boys, however, are still not openly discussed.

JJ Bola is a Congolese-British poet, writer, and youth worker based in London.

In this 2019 edition of the Pluto Press Outspoken series, Bola explores masculinity in contemporary society and what being a man could mean in a future beyond patriarchal relations.