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Remaking Men
The nature of masculinity is a popular subject for contemporary authors, either treated critically from a sociological standpoint, or analysed from a psychological and spiritual perspective.
In Remaking Men , David Tacey argues that we must strive to bridge the gap between these separate traditions - masculinity should neither be hijacked by the spiritual, Jung-influenced men's movement, nor discussed merely as a product of socio-political forces.
Examining his own and other men's experience in a critical and lively discourse he evades the simplistic optimism of the 'inner journey' approach and the chronic pessimism of contemporary academic arguments. This is a fascinating and very accessible look at masculinity for those who want to explore self and society with intelligence and soul.
In Remaking Men , David Tacey argues that we must strive to bridge the gap between these separate traditions - masculinity should neither be hijacked by the spiritual, Jung-influenced men's movement, nor discussed merely as a product of socio-political forces.
Examining his own and other men's experience in a critical and lively discourse he evades the simplistic optimism of the 'inner journey' approach and the chronic pessimism of contemporary academic arguments. This is a fascinating and very accessible look at masculinity for those who want to explore self and society with intelligence and soul.
- GenresPsychology
240 pages, Paperback
First published June 12, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 3, 2016
I am struggling to give this four stars. I want to, because I think it is most fascinating read, but it fails to deliver what it sets out to do.
The premise is that the contemporary psychological men's movement is incomplete. Tacey's criticism feels harsh, at times personally directed towards Robert Bly, but he does make a good case. Tacey has something to contribute towards the vision of what a whole masculine man holds, putting strong emphasis on the inspiration and power of the anima. In simplified language we would name this the feminine aspect, but Tacey addresses the depth it contains.
Despite Tacey's very personal accountst the book remains on an academic psyhcological level for those looking to expand their own consciousness. This is why I struggle with the rating. When looking for handholds towards social change and spirituality, this book does not really provide them.
It does state what men should develop and what this would bring them. In that case it is a very interesting read. Personally being a great admirer of some of the publications Tacey criticizes here, it was valuable to expand my own horizon. The book is well written. I was intrigued throughout.
To anyone interested in Jungian psychology, Tacey has a lot of interesting perspective and insight.
Despite this, the book lacks directness and purpose on the whole. It remains unclear to me what Tacey set out to communicate when writing this book. Maybe my expectations were unreasonable, but I can't shake the feeling Tacey promises more at the start of the book than he finally delivers.
The premise is that the contemporary psychological men's movement is incomplete. Tacey's criticism feels harsh, at times personally directed towards Robert Bly, but he does make a good case. Tacey has something to contribute towards the vision of what a whole masculine man holds, putting strong emphasis on the inspiration and power of the anima. In simplified language we would name this the feminine aspect, but Tacey addresses the depth it contains.
Despite Tacey's very personal accountst the book remains on an academic psyhcological level for those looking to expand their own consciousness. This is why I struggle with the rating. When looking for handholds towards social change and spirituality, this book does not really provide them.
It does state what men should develop and what this would bring them. In that case it is a very interesting read. Personally being a great admirer of some of the publications Tacey criticizes here, it was valuable to expand my own horizon. The book is well written. I was intrigued throughout.
To anyone interested in Jungian psychology, Tacey has a lot of interesting perspective and insight.
Despite this, the book lacks directness and purpose on the whole. It remains unclear to me what Tacey set out to communicate when writing this book. Maybe my expectations were unreasonable, but I can't shake the feeling Tacey promises more at the start of the book than he finally delivers.
March 16, 2019
This is a bold, honest and authentic view on masculinity. I appreciate the balance between personal material and academic writing. A great book to read over and over again!
April 15, 2020
This is the first gender studies book I have read. A completely new field to explore!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews