ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on how staff at special approved youth homes constructs the significance of males, in particular male physical bodies, among the staff. Messerschmidt argues that a young male's construction of masculinity is in part dependant on the 'capacity for power that he embodies'. As Mattsson and Laanemets and Kristiansen have pointed out, the gender constructions of the staff are highly relevant for the work at institutions, both with regard to the contact with the youths and for the organization of the care. The institutions included in the chapter are Swedish state-run institutions responsible for the compulsory care of young people. There are approximately 25 such institutions in Sweden. The staff encourages conflict, create a 'laddish' atmosphere and underline strength, dangerousness and competition. The chapter argues that in the organization of care, an increased awareness of those men who, through their muscular and physically strong bodies, embody masculine capacity is needed.
