Men and Feminism: Seal Studies [Paperback]

Shira Tarrant (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 12, 2009 | Series: Seal Studies

There's no denying that men's involvement and interest in feminism is key to its continuing relevance and importance. Addressing the question of why men should care about feminism in the first place, Men and Feminism lays the foundation for a larger discussion about feminism as a human issue, not simply a women's issue. Men are crucial to the movement — as fathers, brothers, husbands, boyfriends, and friends. From "why" to "how" to "what can men do", Men and Feminism answers all the questions men have about how and why they should get behind feminism.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Shira Tarrant aims to show once and for all that men can be feminists too... Kudos to the author for this blame-free book that encourages readers to embrace equality--and provides precise, simple steps to get [there]. --Bust Magazine

[Men and Feminism] is brief, it's engaging, and it doesn't mince words in explaining exactly what feminism has to offer men, and why they should get behind it. --Bitch Magazine

[Men and Feminism] is refreshingly...attentive to economic and political relations of injustice and structures of gender power... Men and Feminism raises the bar for well-intentioned men. --Michael Flood, Men and Masculinities

Drawing from significant intersectional, antisexist, and antiracist theory, [Men and Feminism] is an informative introduction to feminism in general and to how men stand to gain from it in particular. --For Your Bookshelf, Association of American Colleges and Universities

Shira Tarrant isn't afraid to go into unexpected territory ... [This book] discusses the history of men in feminism, but also analyzes conversations about gender and masculinity while providing resources for men interested in feminist actions. --Allison McCarthy, Womanist Musings

About the Author

Shira Tarrant, PhD is Associate Professor with the Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department at California State University, Long Beach. Her books include Men Speak Out: Views on Gender, Sex and Power (Routledge), When Sex Became Gender (Routledge), Men and Feminism (Seal Press), and Fashion Talks: Undressing the Power of Style (SUNY Press).

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Seal Press; Original edition (May 12, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580052584
• ISBN-13: 978-1580052580
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #534,880 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Shira Tarrant, PhD is a nationally recognized expert on sexual politics. Her books include Men Speak Out: Views on Gender, Sex and Power (Routledge), When Sex Became Gender (Routledge), Men and Feminism (Seal Press), and Fashion Talks: Undressing the Power of Style (SUNY Press).

Shira Tarrant's writing also appears with AlterNet, Jezebel, the Ms. Magazine Blog, Bitch, BUST Magazine, Huffington Post, and other publications. She is currently working on New Views on Pornography (Praeger).

Dr. Tarrant received her PhD in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles. She is an associate professor with the Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department at California State University, Long Beach. Read more at http://shiratarrant.com.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Must-read for anyone interested in masculinity and/or feminism November 19, 2009

By M. Adams

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Tarrant offers a critical look at the constructions of gender roles and the often-complicated relationship between men and feminism. To be clear, there is no vilifying of men, which some people (*cough* MRAs *cough*) tend to expect as soon as they even see the word "feminism". Rather, Tarrant examines alternatives for men to engage in healthier expressions of masculinity in ways that encourage gender equality. The problem that Tarrant focuses on is masculine privilege: what it is, how it works, and what men can do to address it. Her ambitious imagining of pro-feminist masculinity builds on the work of some of the prominent scholars and activists in the field, like Jackson Katz and Michael Kimmel.

Considering historical and cultural context, Tarrant gives due credit to men who are challenging the confines of traditional masculinity. What I like best about Men and Feminism is that it is incredibly readable and engaging, thoroughly researched and informative without being overly didactic. Anecdotes and opinions from regular men and feminist allies are included throughout the book, a reminder that the voices of men are fundamental to this critical dialogue, as ultimately all the facts and theories are actually about men and women's real lives and experiences. This is an essential introduction to an important ongoing discussion within feminism. Interesting, insightful, and, most importantly, accessible, Men and Feminism is a must-read for academics, activists, feminists, and just about everyone else.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars great overview April 12, 2010

By Remigius Hohl

Format:Paperback

Read this on a job crossing country, and it was cool to have along. The book is written in a fun, easy to read style and gives a good general and historic overview of men and feminism.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and Accessible June 21, 2010

By R. Dolinger

Format:Paperback

Seal Press and Shira Tarrant have put together an entertaining-yet-conscious collection perfect for college students or anyone interested in the intersection of masculinity and feminism. In a field prone to heavy-handedness, this author offers real, though-provoking examples of complex identity issues both sexes are confronted with each day. The 'questions for discussion,' 'topics for research,' and 'ideas for action' section in the back is both thought-provoking and solutions-oriented.