Of Boys And Men

In 'The End of Men', Hanna Rosin presents a compelling argument that women have pulled decisively ahead of men by almost every measure. The book explores how changes in the American economy, such as the loss of traditionally male-led jobs during the recession, have contributed to this shift. Rosin also discusses rising college graduation rates, steady employment, and increased presence in male-dominated fields like politics and business. The book examines the profound implications of these changes on marriage, sex, children, work, and other aspects of society, suggesting that the traditional patriarchal structure is giving way to a new paradigm where women are gaining the upper hand[2][3][4].

In 'Backlash: The Undeclared War Against American Women', Susan Faludi presents a detailed examination of the backlash against feminist gains of the 1970s. The book argues that this backlash, fueled by media, politics, and popular culture, blames the women's liberation movement for various problems faced by American women in the late 1980s. Faludi identifies and debunks myths such as the 'infertility epidemic' and the 'man shortage', showing how these myths were constructed and disseminated to undermine feminist progress. The book also explores historical trends of backlash following significant feminist advancements and its ongoing impact on women's rights and equality.

In 'Of Boys and Men,' Richard V. Reeves delves into the complex and urgent crisis of boyhood and manhood. He discusses how profound economic and social changes have led to many boys and men losing ground in education, the workplace, and family life. Reeves presents detailed research on the structural challenges, including lower academic performance, declining labor force participation, and the specific hardships faced by black boys and men. He argues that both conservative and progressive politicians have failed to provide effective solutions and offers fresh, innovative proposals such as delaying boys' entry into school, increasing male teachers, and improving vocational education. The book emphasizes the need for a positive vision of masculinity in a more equal world without compromising gender equality[3][4][5].

In 'Outliers: The Story of Success', Malcolm Gladwell examines the often-overlooked factors that contribute to high levels of success. He argues that success is not solely the result of individual talent or hard work, but rather is influenced by a complex web of advantages and inheritances, including cultural background, family, generation, and luck. The book delves into various examples, such as the success of Bill Gates, the Beatles, and Canadian ice hockey players, to illustrate how these factors play a crucial role. Gladwell also discusses the '10,000-hour rule' and the impact of cultural legacies on behavior and success. The book is divided into two parts: 'Opportunity' and 'Legacy', each exploring different aspects of how success is achieved and maintained.

In 'Stiffed', Susan Faludi examines the crisis of masculinity in late 20th-century America. Through deeply researched and empathetic character studies of various men, including industrial workers, combat veterans, and evangelical husbands, Faludi reveals how the shift from a 'utilitarian' manliness grounded in civic and communal service to an 'ornamental' masculinity shaped by entertainment, marketing, and performance values has disfigured men's lives and destroyed their chances at happiness. The book delves into the social and economic forces that have shattered the postwar compact defining American manhood, offering a searing portrait of modern-day male America and the ongoing gender war[2][3][4].

In this book, Jordan B. Peterson offers twelve profound and practical rules for living a meaningful life. He argues that happiness is a fleeting and unpredictable goal, and instead, people should seek meaning as a defense against the suffering inherent in life. The book is divided into chapters, each representing one of the twelve rules, such as 'Stand up straight with your shoulders back,' 'Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping,' and 'Pursue what is meaningful (not what is expedient).' Peterson draws on examples from his clinical practice, personal life, cutting-edge psychology, philosophy, and ancient myths to provide a guide for personal improvement and coping with adversity.

In *Are Men Necessary? When Sexes Collide*, Maureen Dowd examines the state of feminism, the pursuit of mates, and modern gender relations. The book presents a personal view on cultural and political issues, including her controversial perspectives on figures like Hillary Clinton. It raises questions about the role of men in society and the challenges faced by women in achieving balance in their lives.