Beyond Patriarchy: Jewish Fathers and Families [Hardcover]

Lawrence H. Fuchs (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2000

Lawrence H. Fuchs argues that the link between male dominance and fatherhood is no longer iron-clad.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

In this his eighth book, Fuchs--best known for Family Matters (1972)--examines the feasibility of moving beyond patriarchy and still preserve authoritative, loving care from fathers and mothers without males appropriating power and privileges for themselves. Fuchs divides his book into three parts. In part 1, "Generic Patriarchy," he discusses the biological origins of patriarchy and patriarchy as a system of power. Part 2 focuses on the Jewish patriarchal paradigm. Part 3 explores Jewish immigrant family life in the U.S. from 1880 to 1920, the Americanization of fathers from 1920 to 1960, and the erosion of patriarchy from 1960 to 2000. Fuchs posits that many middleclass men appear to be ready for what he calls partnership parenting. His concepts are both relevant and valid. George Cohen
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

From the Publisher

6 x 9 trim. LC 00--00842

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 230 pages
• Publisher: Brandeis; 1st edition (July 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874519411
• ISBN-13: 978-0874519419
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,407,414 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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5.0 out of 5 stars Meaningful Contribution, September 11, 2008

By 

Dennis S. Ross "Rabbi Dennis S. Ross" (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beyond Patriarchy: Jewish Fathers and Families (Hardcover)

In Beyond Patriarchy: Jewish Fathers and Families, author Lawrence H. Fuchs of Brandies University draws from a rich array of religious, cultural developmental, biological, and historic detail and trend to examine consistency and change in the lives of Jewish men today.
Fuchs cites a growing parity of men and women at work, in volunteerism, at home, a decline in old opportunities for "male bonding" in many quarters and, compared to other biological species, greater human male involvement in parenting. Thus, Jewish men --- and others --- are often accepting new family responsibilities and roles, even with a continuing "flight from fatherhood" among good numbers.
Where men have draw together over sport, hunting or womanizing, Jewish men traditionally bonded through Judaism, its books, synagogue worship and ritual. When that Jewish tradition turned to family, it emphasized the protection of women and provision for the home. Yes, Jewish women were "chattel," but those same religious laws provided for their physical well being and shielded them from abuse and neglect. Given the history of spiritual, intellectual and prayerful togetherness many Jewish men traditionally enjoyed, it is no wonder that many today embrace the call for an expanding male presence in family.
Beyond Patriarchy goes well beyond the promise of its title. The book's wide range --- into biology, for instance --- leaves the reader wondering, "When will this all come together?" It all does, eventually, after thoughtful wandering. Concise but not terse, easy to read and comprehend, Beyond Patriarchy offers a picture of the Jewish male, past and present.
God in Our Relationships: Spirituality Between People from the Teachings of Martin Buber