Image: Sung-Hee Seewald Photography
Feminism always has to be female? No, quite the opposite, says blogger, digitization expert and – yes – feminist Robert Franken.
Mr. Franken, you describe yourself as a “male feminist”. Why? Actually, you could just sit back, relax and enjoy your privileges...
It is precisely these supposed privileges that brought me to feminism. As a white, heterosexual man in Germany, I am actually very privileged. And I use this privilege to criticize this very thing. It always strikes me how unfair inequality is, that the male system in politics, business and society discriminates against women in particular across the board. And I can't just accept that, but would like to do my part to finally initiate significant social changes.
What would men gain from equal rights?
It's like this: the whole thing is only supposedly a privilege, as it significantly restricts the male space for action and thought. Feminism is also about something for men: primarily about expanding their repertoire. I don't have to be the main breadwinner based on my set of chromosomes or I don't distinguish myself as particularly masculine because I'm hard on myself and others. And so feminism is also about a change of perspective that can sharpen and change your view of your own roles.
When men e.g. For example, if you speak up about issues such as equal rights at parties, the sentence will often come up at some point: “Oh, you womanizer”. How would you counter?
Sometimes I smile this aside, but often I address such an objection. At least I insist: “If anything, be a feminist, please!”
Companies like to take up the issue of “promotion of women” and “diversity”. Do you buy that from the majority?
I once criticized it as “purplewashing”: when the promotion of women is just the fig leaf of employer branding and it turns out that the company is failing when it comes to flexibility and appreciation. You just have to look closely.
And how can a young applicant find out whether this is not just image enhancement?
Ask openly. For example, how many men and women are currently on parental leave or what work (time) models are offered. I would also recommend making it clear what the ideal work environment is for yourself. Ultimately, I want to deliver my best performance – and that includes optimal conditions right from the start.
Why would companies do well to take these issues seriously and put the fine words into practice?
Because enormous potential lies untapped and companies run the risk that the very employees who would be crucial to the future success of the company will migrate into self-employment from the outset. If common sense doesn't work and we have to address the skills shortage instead - that's fine with me. The main thing is that something finally changes.
You will be there as a table captain at the herCareer career fair. What do you hope to give young women on their career path?
They should, as a matter of course, demand everything that they want for their work in the future. When grievances arise, there are always at least two people involved: one person who is responsible for it and one who allows it to happen to them. In the best case scenario, new alliances for change can be found. And: We have to involve men, something like this only works together!
And what message do you send to male students or young professionals?
I would like them to be open to analyzing and reflecting on the current system and their role in it. Then they can become part of the solution and do not remain - largely unconsciously - part of the system. By the way, I want one thing above all from both sides: talk to each other before you have children. Talk about your wishes and ideas regarding care work, career and relationships.
Robert Franken is your table captain at the networking event herCareer@Night. If you send it on October 12th If you want to meet, take part and win a ticket worth 49 euros. How? Simply write an email to verlosung@her-career.com (including certificate of enrollment or copy of your valid student ID). The herCareer career fair will take place on October 12th/13th, 2017 in Munich.
Feminism always has to be female? No, says blogger and digitization expert Robert Franken.
