Years ago, my mother said something to me that reminded me of how abnormal a certain behaviour I did was in Canada. “Ahh, it’s so nice that you still kiss your father, even in public” She said. I think about that a lot, and notice how maybe my upbringing allowed me to normalize touch in a way that seemed abnormal where I lived, and possibly where you live. I wonder how much non sexualized touch boys get, and how that may effect the way they think about their parents, their relationships, and their life. This is the basis of this episode, understanding what consensual touch from caregivers (and the lack thereof) can affect a boys development. This episodes stars Jordan Shapiro, Judy Chu, and Mark Pagan
Jordan Shapiro is a writer, father and developmental expert. His last book is called Father Figure: How to be a Feminist Dad.
Mark Pagan is one of the producers and the voice of “Other Men Need Help” a podcast about the specific views and ideas of masculinity
Judy Chu has a doctorate from Harvard for Human Development and Psychology. She’s also one of the board members at Promundo, a global leader in achieving gender justice.