The SAMSA story
Our journey began at Newcastle University, where we— Chris and Manoj—first crossed paths, both deeply engaged in exploring the shifting nature of masculinity. With a shared commitment to understanding how gender and sexuality operate in society, our conversations naturally evolved into something bigger.
Manoj brought with him extensive experience working on LGBTQI+ issues in Sri Lanka, while Chris had long been involved in critical masculinity studies. Together, we recognized a pressing need: despite rich and compelling scholarship and research on the study of men and masculinities in South Asia, cohering such work was often challenging because of it often fragmented, disparate nature.
Our discussions, both inside and outside academic spaces, often circled back to the same conclusion—there was a gap that needed to be filled. What if we could create something that brought together scholars, researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and activists? A space where ideas could be exchanged, collaborations could flourish, and meaningful impact could be made?
The South Asian Masculinity Studies Association is that space. With that vision in mind, we decided to build an organization dedicated to fostering a network that could critically engage with men and masculinity in all its forms. We are developing a platform where intellectual and activist communities can challenge, rethink, and reimagine gender and sexuality across South Asia and beyond.
Our work has been shaped by the belief that understanding men and masculinities is not just an academic exercise—it’s crucial to addressing gender inequality, social justice, and cultural, social and economic transformation.
And so, our journey continues, and we hope that you will join us....
The SAMSA Executive Board
President
Dr Manoj Jinadasa
As a Senior Lecturer in Mass Communication at the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, I have played a pivotal role in shaping the academic landscape.My current research focuses on masculinity, gender, and feminism to explore young men's broader intimacy, same-sex desire, and relationships within the postcolonial South Asian cultural context.
I recently earned my PhD in Digital Media and Critical Cultural Studies (with a focus on Gender, LGBTIQ+, and Sexual Health) from Newcastle University, UK. I hold a BA (Hons) and an MSSc (Research) in Mass Communication from the University of Kelaniya, specializing in the potential of traditional media for community mobilization and rural development in Sri Lanka.
Vice - President
Dr Chris Haywood
Dr Chris Haywood is a Reader in Critical Masculinity studies at the School of Arts and Cultures, Newcastle University. He is the author of Sex Clubs: Recreational Sex and Cultures of Desire and Men (Palgrave), Masculinity and Contemporary Dating (Palgrave). He is also co-author of The Conundrum of Masculinity (Routledge), Marginalized Masculinities (Routledge), Masculinities and Education (Routledge), Gender, Culture and Society (Palgrave) and Sociology of Masculinities (Palgrave). He is interested in exploring how different conceptual deployments of masculinity shape what we know and are able to know about gender and sexuality.
The SAMSA Executive Board
President
Dr Manoj Jinadasa
As a Senior Lecturer in Mass Communication at the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, I have played a pivotal role in shaping the academic landscape.My current research focuses on masculinity, gender, and feminism to explore young men's broader intimacy, same-sex desire, and relationships within the postcolonial South Asian cultural context.
I recently earned my PhD in Digital Media and Critical Cultural Studies (with a focus on Gender, LGBTIQ+, and Sexual Health) from Newcastle University, UK. I hold a BA (Hons) and an MSSc (Research) in Mass Communication from the University of Kelaniya, specializing in the potential of traditional media for community mobilization and rural development in Sri Lanka.
Vice - President
Dr Chris Haywood
Dr Chris Haywood is a Reader in Critical Masculinity studies at the School of Arts and Cultures, Newcastle University. He is the author of Sex Clubs: Recreational Sex and Cultures of Desire and Men (Palgrave), Masculinity and Contemporary Dating (Palgrave). He is also co-author of The Conundrum of Masculinity (Routledge), Marginalized Masculinities (Routledge), Masculinities and Education (Routledge), Gender, Culture and Society (Palgrave) and Sociology of Masculinities (Palgrave). He is interested in exploring how different conceptual deployments of masculinity shape what we know and are able to know about gender and sexuality.