Masculinity and Morality: Narrative in the New Media Ecology - Softcover

May, Larry

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0801484421 ISBN 13: 9780801484421

Publisher: Cornell University Press, 1998

Synopsis

What does it mean to be a morally responsible man? Psychology and the law have offered reasons to excuse men for acting aggressively. In these philosophically reflective essays, Larry May argues against standard accounts of traditional male behavior, discussing male anger, paternity, pornography, rape, sexual harassment, the exclusion of women, and what he terms the myth of uncontrollable male sexuality. While refuting the platitudes of the popular men's movement, his book challenges men to reassess and change behavior that has had detrimental effects on the lives of women and of men.

In May's view, the key to solving many problems is to understand how individual actions may combine to produce large-scale, harmful consequences. May is eager to reconceptualize male roles in ways that build on men's strength rather than rendering them androgynous. Each chapter in his book suggests strategies to effect changes based on May's views on the nature of moral responsibility.

Examining separatism and the socialization of youth in athletics and the military, specifically at Virginia Military Institute and the Citadel, May analyzes the moral implications of the way all-male environments are constructed. Rejecting the standard arguments for them, he speculates about the positive ways they might be used to transform the socialization of young men.

About this title

About the Author

Larry May is Professor of Philosophy at Washington University, St. Louis. He is also the author of Crimes Against Humanity: A Normative Account and coeditor of Morality of War.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cornell University Press
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0801484421
• ISBN 13: 9780801484421
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 208