Masculinity: Identity, Conflict, and Transformation

by Warren Steinberg

What is a man? The model offered by family and culture too often leaves men with a feeling of "not measuring up." The result can be a host of psychological problems that become roadblocks on the path to the state of maturity and wholeness that C. G. Jung called individuation.

Warren Steinberg sees these perils on the path as opportunities to go beneath conventional models and to gain a deep understanding of masculinity—one that includes traditional masculine qualities along with recognition and acceptance of the anima, or a man's inner feminine. Using dreams, myths, and the experiences of actual men, he demonstrates how this inner balance can be the key to establishing a free and strong masculinity.

240 pages, Paperback

First published October 26, 1993

Reviews

[Daniel Gallagher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting read through a typical Jungian analysis of the masculine. The masculine is active/instructional, the feminine, in contrast, passive/expressive. I’ve only had one course in Psychology, but this review doesn’t go too deep into archetypes or archaic/obtuse theories. Rather Steinberg uses lots of examples, some a bit too close for me personally, to describe many typical situations a lot of us guys have to grapple with. In the end it felt a little thin (basically unite the masculine and feminine to become a whole male person); I was hoping for more real-world suggestions and ideas. Plus, it is completely devoid of the female development condition, with which I think this book would have garnered five stars. Nevertheless, a book well worth the read.