The Evolution of Masculinity in Post-Industrial Tyneside

In the heart of Tyneside, a region in north-east England once synonymous with the industrial prowess of Britain, the echoes of coal mining, shipbuilding, and heavy engineering still linger. These industries, which formed the backbone of the local economy, also shaped the identities of the men who worked within them. However, the sweeping wave of deindustrialization in the 1970s and 1980s left an indelible mark on the region, transforming not only its economic landscape but also the very notion of masculinity.

At its zenith, Swan Hunter, a globally recognized shipyard located in Wallsend, employed up to 12,000 people. By 2005, just a year before its closure, the workforce had dwindled to a mere 357. This stark decline mirrors the broader economic shifts that have redefined what it means to be a man in Tyneside and similar regions across Britain.

From Manual Labor to Service Sector

The transition from a predominantly masculine, manual labor workforce to a service-oriented economy has been profound. Informal work, subcontracting, and part-time employment have become more prevalent, while the influence of trade unions has waned. This shift has not only altered the nature of work but also challenged traditional perceptions of masculinity, which were deeply rooted in the physical and often hazardous labor of the past.

Paul Willis’ seminal 1977 study, “Learning to Labor,” highlights how social class and masculinity are intertwined from an early age. Masculinity is not a monolith; it is performed in various ways, yet hegemonic masculinity remains the dominant form, often valuing traditional ideals of toughness and the role of men as providers.

The Impact of Deindustrialization on Male Identity

The decline of “masculine” labor disrupted not only the economic stability of regions like Tyneside but also the identity and pride of its male population. As documented in Anoop Nayak’s 2006 ethnographic study, “Displaced Masculinities,” many working-class men found themselves grappling with their identity in the absence of industrial employment.

“What happens to men when an area’s strong working-class identity declines, but there is no narrative to replace it?”

This question underscores the broader socioeconomic shifts that have left many working-class men feeling disconnected from traditional masculine ideals.

Class and Identity in a Changing World

Early findings from ongoing research suggest that class identity is no longer as prominent in men’s everyday lives. While participants acknowledge class, it does not overtly define their sense of self. One participant remarked, “Class means you have to use yourself to earn money. Your labor, that’s what I understand by it, but I’ve never thought about class much.”

The absence of a strong working-class narrative leaves a void that harmful ideas about masculinity can exploit. This phenomenon is evident in the rise of the “manosphere,” online communities that propagate a version of masculinity often tinged with misogyny. Class politics, however, offers a positive and unifying alternative, challenging the notion that working-class areas are inherently susceptible to such narratives.

The Allure of the Manosphere

The manosphere preys on the insecurities of boys and young men, tapping into fears about masculinity and perceived social status. Messages of hyper-individualism and claims that “most men are invisible” resonate with those who feel marginalized by the current economic and social climate.

“Without honest discussion about working-class communities and the effects of deindustrialization on identity, this messaging may become alluring in postindustrial towns.”

Such narratives thrive in the absence of a counter-narrative that acknowledges the broader effects of class, economy, and politics on identity.

Looking Forward: Reimagining Masculinity

As Tyneside and similar regions continue to navigate the legacy of deindustrialization, the challenge lies in redefining masculinity in a way that embraces diversity and inclusivity. This involves fostering dialogues that recognize the complex interplay between class, identity, and the evolving economic landscape.

Ultimately, the path forward requires a collective effort to create narratives that resonate with the realities of contemporary life, offering a vision of masculinity that is not bound by the constraints of the past but enriched by the possibilities of the future.