Feminism and Men - Hardcover

Nikki Van Der Gaag

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1780329121 ISBN 13: 9781780329123

Publisher: Zed Books, 2014

Synopsis

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'?

About this title

Review

'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

' 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, author, co-founder 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

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

About this edition

• Publisher: Zed Books
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1780329121
• ISBN 13: 9781780329123
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256