Men at the Crossroads: Beyond Traditional Roles & Modern Options

by Jack O. Balswick

Jack Balswick takes a fresh look at the many criticisms and confusing options which confront men in the 1990s--then describes an alternative that transcends both traditional and trendy approaches to male identity.

218 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Jack Balswick (MA, PhD) is senior professor of sociology and family development at the Department of Marriage and Family School of Psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary (Pasadena, California).

Reviews

[Alex Strohschein · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tend to be uneasy about books on "being a man" or "being a woman" - too often I find they descend into either rigid complementarianism or in fanciful "wild at heart" silliness. Happily, Jack Balswick's "Men at the Crossroads: Beyond Traditional Roles and Modern Options" is neither of these (although it is a little dated by now). Balswick, a sociologist at Fuller Theological Seminary, explores how modern men can feel bewildered about what it is to be a man in the present day and age. Many have had poor relationships or NO relationships with their fathers, thus being denied a masculine role model to emulate. Mothers have sought to fill the void, especially homemakers who tend to spend more time with the children, though boys also seek to distance themselves from anything deemed too "feminine." Men have trouble openly conveying their feelings and need the intimacy of close same-sex friendships. Men age through different phases of their lives which can impact how they view themselves and how they relate to others. There is a lot of good historical, sociological, and spiritual research in this book. I especially appreciated Balswick's discussion of how men and women can nurture healthy and enriching friendships with one another. Ultimately, the model of manhood believers should strive for is the person of Jesus Christ.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous book! Recommended for men and women alike, and some helpful parenting tips to boot. Those Venus vs Mars myths are totally destroyed. Although relatively old this book is as relevant as ever to today's obsession (especially within the church) with 'manhood' and 'womanhood' and what these terms mean.

Balswick shows how we have been socialised to view most gender 'differences' as innate, rather than the product of culture that they actually are. He's a sociologist himself so is speaking from actual knowledge, not just some ideas he's had based on his own limited experiences which seems to be all one needs to write a book about so-called gender differences these days, especially if one is a famous evangelical.

[Andy Hickman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Something here for the reader. Becoming somewhat dated however.

Balswick, Jack. Men at the Crossroads: Beyond Traditional Roles and Modern Options. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1992.