Feminism and Men

by Nikki van der Gaag

Overview

What is men's position in the feminist story? Are men villains or victims? Whilst the answer is both and neither both genders are still seen in terms of these kinds of unhelpful categories and while feminist waves have ensured that in theory at least, many women are now able to do the things that used to be done only by men, the reality of how men are seen and see themselves has changed very little across the globe.

Many young women exist in a world very different from that of their grandmothers. In many countries they can vote and stand for Parliament, earn money, have the choice of who they want to marry, or whether to marry or not. In others, there has been a backlash against these rights, but even here, most women recognise that these rights exist even if they cannot claim them. But what about men? Though they still hold the power in the boardroom, in parliament and often in the family too, their attitudes towards women - and towards themselves - have often changed very little over the decades. Has feminism itself left some men confused and others angry with concerns that 'men are losing out'?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781780329116
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	08/01/2014
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Nikki van der Gaag is an independent writer and consultant based in the UK who has held senior editorial and communications posts in the non-profit sector including Oxfam, The New Internationalist and the Panos Institute. She specializes in writing about gender, refugees and poverty. Recent and current clients have included the DFID, the MenEngage Alliance, New Internationalist magazine, Oxfam GB, Plan International, the Single Parent Action Network, the Women's Budget Group, Oxford University's Young Lives research programme and Refugee Studies Centre. Recent books and reports include Because I am a Girl (2007, 2008, 2010, and 2011) Plan International; 'Speaking Out: Case studies on how poor people influence decision-making' Oxfam/Practical Action 2009; 'The No-Nonsense Guide to Women's Rights' New Internationalist 2008; 'How the World Came to Oxford: refugees past and present' Oxford Literary Festival, March 2007.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Beyond the binaries: feminism and men
3. Shifting cultural and social attitudes
4. No zero-sum game: education and health
5 Giving up power? Women, men and work
6 The fatherhood revolution?
7 Proving their manhood: men and violence
8 Conclusion: becoming connected

Editorial Reviews

“This book is highly recommended to anyone with an interest in issues around feminism and gender and could be the starting point for anyone looking to get an overview of men’s involvement in this movement.

San Francisco Review of Books

Thoroughly researched, engagingly written and refreshingly global in scope, Feminism and Men contributes significantly to the continuing debate over men's role in feminism. Nikki van der Gaag exhaustively examines her subject from multiple angles - political, economic, social, psychological and historical - to substantiate her argument that men must be more fully engaged in the struggle for gender justice.” —Alyson Cole, Professor of Political Science and Women's Studies, City University of New York, and author of The Cult of True Victimhood: From the War on Welfare to the War on Terror

“Globally, women have always been the vanguard in the struggle for gender equality. Yet as this book argues so persuasively we urgently need to engage men everywhere in the process, thereby allowing both women and men more freedom to pursue their full humanity, wholeness and balance. An essential text for all those engaging with development studies or any aspect of gendered education and health.” —Lynne Segal, author of Why Feminism?

“This book is thoughtful, insightful, and an effective mix of theory and personal narratives which build a strong case about the importance of feminism embracing men and men embracing feminism.” —Michael Kaufman, co-founder of the White Ribbon Campaign

“Men's relation to feminism has long been a contentious issue, irresolvable by a simple yes or no. Which is what makes Nikki van der Gaag's book so valuable: she teases out different strands of engagement and support in a variety of venues. It's not a question of whether or not men can "be" feminists, but a question of how and where, and how they remain accountable.” —Michael Kimmel, Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies, Stony Brook University, author of Angry White Men and The Guy's Guide to Feminism

“This book is highly recommended to anyone with an interest in issues around feminism and gender and could be the starting point for anyone looking to get an overview of men's involvement in this movement.” —San Francisco Review of Books

“Nikki van der Gaag successfully includes global voices in the conversation about men and feminism. With its attention to issues of work, education, caregiving and violence, this book is a welcome addition for all those seeking gender justice worldwide.” —Shira Tarrant, PhD, author Men and Feminism and Men Speak Out: Views on Gender, Sex, and Power.

From the Publisher