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Men's Liberation: A New Definition of Masculinity
Examines the oppressive myths of masculinity and socially fostered competive drives and encourages personal struggle toward a fuller expression of humanness
336 pages, Paperback
First published May 30, 1975
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 6, 2018
a 1975 book and still makes sense in 2018, because nothing much has changed in the macho-macho world. Although a little too American in nature, it hits the right point in every chapter. Seeing the advent of feminism, Nichols strolls through beautifully quoting Lao Tzu and Alan Watts !! Intimacy between men is a beautiful chapter and something I would like to read again. A well-written book on how men can be liberated from the culture of toxic masculinity. First random find from HCU library and boy, am I glad !
July 8, 2022
[Translation by Taso Gaitani]
Surprisingly this book has aged pretty well and it reflects modern issues with astonishing accuracy.
For the first few chapters I found myself questioning whether choosing to approach the issues of intellect and intuition solely through a gender lense could be a bit unproductive and stereotypical. Nonetheless, the points being made were solid for the most part.
Jack Nichols earns his 4 star rating due to his nuanced approach of the work environment and male-female relationships.
His incredible examination of sexuality is, in my opinion, the highlight of this well-written and properly researched book.
Surprisingly this book has aged pretty well and it reflects modern issues with astonishing accuracy.
For the first few chapters I found myself questioning whether choosing to approach the issues of intellect and intuition solely through a gender lense could be a bit unproductive and stereotypical. Nonetheless, the points being made were solid for the most part.
Jack Nichols earns his 4 star rating due to his nuanced approach of the work environment and male-female relationships.
His incredible examination of sexuality is, in my opinion, the highlight of this well-written and properly researched book.
February 14, 2020
There's a lot to say about this book. First off, its very compelling. It dazzles me that this is from the 70's, yet many of the topics are still applicable to our time. It's really worth the read. It's a long book but the topics are interesting and the author is well versed. Definitely read it if you find yourself questioning mainstream masculinity.
December 14, 2019
An original work from the Men's Liberation Movement from 1975, Nichols largest contributions are still relevant today when a much newer conversation on Masculinity has been taking place in the 2010s - and points to where improvements can still be made in the next decade.
Nichols resets many of the values (American Man) exhibit without thinking by advocating for a change of posture - from one that's aggressive and dominating to embracing many of what we call "feminine" traits such as passivity and gentleness.
The author looks towards eastern cultures and traditions to illustrate how our assumptions about the west need not be, and how the current machinations are harmful to gender equality.
He also raises the significance of the mind's ability to intuit and other functions over a tendency for current men to be hyper-rational above all other tendencies. Which includes the stoicism and lack of emotional expression found in current strains of Masculinity.
Some aspects of this book are quite dated to a "nuclear age" and "water-gate men" where some of the criticisms of both men and women are either antiquated or questioned to have really existed at all.
This is also a book not interested in how larger collective changes can be made to affect gendered issues. Only self-reflection for more equal personal relationships where individual values trickle up to form a more suitable society.
Nichols does outline how, individually, men can raise their own consciousness and live healthier personal lives that are freer, playful, and spontaneous that are ultimately more equitable and fulfilling by disregarding traditional sex/gender roles.
Nichols resets many of the values (American Man) exhibit without thinking by advocating for a change of posture - from one that's aggressive and dominating to embracing many of what we call "feminine" traits such as passivity and gentleness.
The author looks towards eastern cultures and traditions to illustrate how our assumptions about the west need not be, and how the current machinations are harmful to gender equality.
He also raises the significance of the mind's ability to intuit and other functions over a tendency for current men to be hyper-rational above all other tendencies. Which includes the stoicism and lack of emotional expression found in current strains of Masculinity.
Some aspects of this book are quite dated to a "nuclear age" and "water-gate men" where some of the criticisms of both men and women are either antiquated or questioned to have really existed at all.
This is also a book not interested in how larger collective changes can be made to affect gendered issues. Only self-reflection for more equal personal relationships where individual values trickle up to form a more suitable society.
Nichols does outline how, individually, men can raise their own consciousness and live healthier personal lives that are freer, playful, and spontaneous that are ultimately more equitable and fulfilling by disregarding traditional sex/gender roles.
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May 13, 2017Nice but a little biased in some points
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews