Evaluation of Machofabriken shows good results

When adults in schools want to talk to young people about harmful norms around masculinity, emotions, and relationships, Machofabriken can be a valuable resource. The program, which includes films, exercises, and guided reflection, is described by users as a powerful tool that helps create safe spaces for discussions on challenging topics.

In a recent evaluation conducted by Jesper Fundberg, Associate Professor of Ethnology at Malmö University, and Malin Rönnblom, Professor of Political Science at Karlstad University, the material is shown to help students—especially boys—recognize themselves in the content, reflect deeply, and open up. The study is based on interviews with users, many of whom say the material has changed the group dynamic in classrooms, led to more respectful conversations, and reduced incidents of harassment.

“It was a relief for the boys to realize they didn’t have to act like ‘little old men,’” one user said.

Flexible and adaptable materials

The program is designed to be easy to use, while also enabling deep conversations around power, gender roles, and violence. Users explain that Machofabriken helps students find words for things that are often hard to express—like anger, grief, or societal expectations around bodies, sex, and relationships.

According to the evaluation, one of Machofabriken’s strengths is its flexibility. Many appreciate that the material can be tailored to different groups, age ranges, and schedules. Some use it for single sessions; others work through the entire curriculum. Regardless of the setup, users report that the method works—and that the conversations go somewhere meaningful.

“You can see a change—in how they talk to each other and how they view themselves,” said one youth leader.

“Good to learn early on”

The evaluation also includes interviews with students aged 15 to 18 at schools using Machofabriken. All of them described the experience as positive and meaningful. The students emphasized the importance of addressing harmful language and harassment early on, and making clear how certain behaviors can hurt others.

“It’s good to learn about this early, because it does happen in school, and it's important to show and say that it's wrong. A lot of this comes from social media. It’s wrong and it can harm people. It's good that everyone hears this, because some parents never address these issues,” said one student.

The interviews reveal several examples of improved class environments and students treating each other more respectfully.

“Machofabriken works”

Users also see great potential in further developing the material—with more exercises, more content for younger students, and material tailored for girls as well. But what’s available today is already seen as relevant and impactful.

The fact that Machofabriken was developed by the organization MÄN in collaboration with Unizon is also seen as a major strength. It gives the material a strong foundation in issues of gender equality and violence prevention—values that users say they trust.

The evaluation’s conclusion is clear: Machofabriken works. It opens up conversations, resonates emotionally, and creates change—not through lectures or finger-pointing, but by giving young people the space to think critically, talk openly, and question the norms they may have never noticed before.