In this book, Francis Fukuyama analyzes the contemporary rise of identity politics and its impact on liberal democracy. He argues that the desire for recognition of one's dignity is a fundamental human need and that this demand has been exploited by 'politics of resentment,' leading to the fragmentation of society into narrower identity groups. Fukuyama discusses how economic modernization, social change, and the failure of the left to build broad solidarity have contributed to this phenomenon. He proposes solutions such as national service, public education in civics, and the creation of inclusive national identities to counter the divisive effects of identity politics.
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].
Dans cet ouvrage, Pierre Bourdieu développe une analyse sociologique des rapports sociaux entre les sexes, en se basant notamment sur une étude anthropologique de la société berbère de Kabylie. Il examine comment la domination masculine se perpétue à travers des structures symboliques et des institutions telles que la famille, l'école, l'église et l'état. Bourdieu argue que ces structures créent un habitus qui impose des rôles prédéterminés aux hommes et aux femmes, et que cette domination est maintenue par un processus de déshistoricisation qui rend ces rôles apparemment naturels et non culturels.
In 'Bullshit Jobs: A Theory', David Graeber argues that a significant portion of jobs in modern society are meaningless and contribute little to no value. He categorizes these jobs into five types: flunkies, goons, duct tapers, box tickers, and taskmasters. Graeber contends that these jobs are not only inefficient but also psychologically destructive, leading to chronic misery and social divisions. The book is based on his 2013 essay 'On the Phenomenon of Bullshit Jobs' and includes testimonials from workers who feel their jobs are pointless. Graeber suggests solutions such as unions and universal basic income to address the issue of meaningless work.
On this edition of Parallax Views, we dive into the struggles facing men in modern society with two insightful guests: Alex Gendler, author of "The New Superfluous Men" in American Affairs Journal, and Ryan Zickgraf, author of "Working-Class Men Are Not Okay" in Jacobin.
Gendler unpacks the incel phenomenon, exploring how economic shifts, social alienation, and demographic imbalances have contributed to a growing class of men who feel expendable in a post-industrial world. Meanwhile, Zickgraf examines the deeper crisis afflicting working-class men—rising mortality rates, economic precarity, loneliness, and the erosion of traditional support networks.
Are these issues cultural, political, or economic at their core? How do they fit into broader discussions about gender, class, and social discontent? And what solutions—if any—exist for reversing these trends? All that and more on this thought-provoking episode of Parallax Views.
Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael 
