Dr. Stephen WhiteHead

Internationally recognised expert on gender identity, men and masculinities, and international education. Creator of Total Inclusivity concept. Author of 16 books. Co-founder and Director of Whitehead, Lee & Associates (education consultants). Co-founder and Lead Writer for Educational Digest International. Total Inclusivity Advisor for organisations, schools and universities.

Prologue

Writing

Stephen’s books and writing span over 25 years and range from the essential sociological text on ‘Men and Masculinities’ (2002) to the mainstream global best-selling ‘Many Faces of Men’ (2004) – translated into 15 languages. His most recent works are three books on Total Inclusivity, all published by Routledge in 2022; a highly acclaimed co-authored book on ‘International Schooling’ (2020); and the definitive examination of ‘Toxic Masculinity’ (2021). Stephen is co-founder and lead writer for the Educational Digest International, where his fortnightly articles on international schooling and education are read by educators around the world.

Consultancy

Stephen is Co-Founder and Director of the international education consultancy company, Whitehead, Lee & Associates.

WLA specialises in providing business-education solutions for international and private schools. In addition, Stephen is part of a team of specialist international educationalists providing Total Inclusivity training and guidance (ant-racism, LGBT+ awareness; identity safeguarding) to international and independent schools in Europe and Asia.

LATEST BOOKS

Arriving in July 2022

Total Inclusivity at Work

Despite inclusivity’s importance and most people’s desire for it, understanding inclusivity can be tricky. This book introduces the concept of Total Inclusivity to organisations, their leaders and employees around the world. It aims to help organisations and those people who create them, to become Totally Inclusive communities, wherein diversity is valued, healthy identities enabled, respect for difference prevails, and every member counts – regardless of their identity mix. The book provides insights into how identity works and defines Total Inclusivity as concept and practice. Whitehead suggests what organisations can do to safeguard and nurture diverse organisational identities. The book also provides easy to follow guidelines on how we can implement Total Inclusivity in organisation through individuals. Written in an accessible style, while informed by contemporary research into the self, organisations and identities, this book will not only guide organisational members – owners, CEOs, leaders, managers, administrators and every staff member – along the pathway to creating a Totally Inclusive community, it will establish a ground-breaking and unassailable ethical standard for all organisations to follow as they venture further into this century.

Stephen Whitehead has imaginatively constructed a vision for a creative future; one that is ‘purposeful, reflective, informed and relentless’. Total Inclusivity speaks to us not only about the principles and practices of DEIJ but of the poetics of living with ourselves, with each other and our environment.

Balancing theory with a strong bias for practical and actionable insight, this book adds an authoritative and informed voice to the rising chorus demanding diverse workplaces. It is both timely and prescient; predicting a shift in what it will take for organisations to survive and thrive. Nothing short of 'total inclusivity' will be enough. Relevant to managers and leaders in organisations of all shapes, sizes, and forms, 'Total Inclusivity at Work' is a powerful and important concept and this is a powerful and important book.

This book is bold in its statement of truths, and truly transformative in presenting the challenges we all face in creating inclusive cultures in an engaging, compassionate, manner. To suggest that this book is integral to understanding what it means to be ‘totally inclusive’ is an understatement. It is essential reading – not just for advocates of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice – but for each and every member of the communities in which we live and work.

Profound, punchy, bold, and softened with touches of humour, this book introduces Total Inclusivity, a concept and practice whose time has come. ‘Woke’ or not, read it!

November 1, 2020

International Schooling

The Teacher's Guide: A Companion To Your International Adventure

Practical and easy-to-access, this comprehensive guide provides insight into one of the biggest, and most exciting, career transitions and life adventures many teachers ever make

Well-researched and academically robust, this book provides an overview of the exciting world of international education and sound advice for the newbie and the experienced. Stephen and Denry have not only drawn on their own research and experience but also completed a “sense check” through their extensive and experienced contacts in the world of international schools. I will be recommending this book to all those applying internationally to my school.”

I found the advice super helpful in helping to plan my escape!

For anyone thinking or planning to work in an international school this is a must have book.

Great advice, very thorough.

What a great book for teachers! Actually, it’s a great book for anyone thinking of moving abroad for work.

Provides all kinds of information from school selection to masters degrees in a VERY readable format. I recommend this!”

If you are a leader of an international school, buy multiple copies of this book and give them to your new staff.

November 26, 2019

Toxic Masculinity:

Curing the Virus: making men smarter, healthier, safer

Despite inclusivity’s importance and most people’s desire for it, understanding inclusivity can be tricky. This book introduces the concept of Total Inclusivity to organisations, their leaders and employees around the world. It aims to help organisations and those people who create them, to become Totally Inclusive communities, wherein diversity is valued, healthy identities enabled, respect for difference prevails, and every member counts – regardless of their identity mix.
The book provides insights into how identity works and defines Total Inclusivity as concept and practice. Whitehead suggests what organisations can do to safeguard and nurture diverse organisational identities. The book also provides easy to follow guidelines on how we can implement Total Inclusivity in organisation through individuals.
Written in an accessible style, while informed by contemporary research into the self, organisations and identities, this book will not only guide organisational members – owners, CEOs, leaders, managers, administrators and every staff member – along the pathway to creating a Totally Inclusive community, it will establish a ground-breaking and unassailable ethical standard for all organisations to follow as they venture further into this century.

In this world of mass shootings, violence against women, young men trying to live up to ‘traditional masculinity’, ‘incels’, it’s becoming harder for men to adjust to life. Suicide in young men is on the rise, anger and aggression are booming. Where will it all end? This book explains how it is and how men can and will have to change from the toxic route some are taking. Empathy and compassion for oneself is a big start on the route to salvation from this ever increasing problem.

A well-researched, fascinating, thoroughly good book

An Important book, coming at an important time

Insightful, inspiring and BOLD!

I loved this book. It called me out, it reassured me, and it rekindled my curiosity.

This book could not be more timely or relevant

Stephen’s desire for a more deeply connected experience feels personal, validating and healing.