Customer Reviews

Men and Feminism: Seal Studies

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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.

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.

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.

I'm not the sort of person who usually reads this kind of book, but it really grabbed my attention right from the get go, and never let go. The ideas are deep, the writing provocative, and the author, who's carving out a wonderful niche for herself in the area of men and feminism, makes a compelling case for why dudes are important in the fight for equality still being waged by women everywhere.

The author's purpose in this book is to give men an introduction to feminism. She does this by defining what feminism is, exploring the history of feminism (mostly in the United States), debunking notions of there being "natural" roles for men and women, showing how men are privileged in society and encouraging men to participate in pro-feminist activism. I have a generally favorable impression towards this book. This is a quick, easy to read guide that can serve as a good starting point for men to become knowledgeable about feminism, show the various ways that violence, harassment and discrimination harms women on a daily basis and is a call to men to help end this type of violence. A great introductory reading for men who want to learn more about this subject.

I'll be sharing this with my son this summer for sure. It's very accessible, entertaining, and covers a lot of ground very concisely. Makes clear that men are not on the sidelines!

The book came in the condition I ordered it in, was purchased at a great price and shipped to my home before expected. I couldn't have asked for more. This book is a requirement for one of my courses in college, but I found after skimming that I can't peel my eyes away from the book. I'm glad it was a requirement and I doubt I'll be selling it back!

This primer is a wonderful feminist overview. Shira Tarrant makes the case that all genders have a stake in gender equity, and in the process she helps normalize the notion of male participation.

The book succeeds by highlighting feminism's internal critiques, and showing the periodic shortcomings of theory-to-practice transitions. It seems to me that occasionally people reject feminism because they imagine an indoctrinated homogeneous herd. This book shows that feminism evolves and continues to re-examine itself. Men and Feminism highlights juxtaposed ideals and practice, the intersections of identity and experience, and the shifting of spheres we inhabit. Hopefully those who are more feminist-minded than they realize will find it as an open door.

Ignorance gives feminism a bad name among both men and women. It's about equality, folks, for everyone, regardless of gender. Tarrant is direct and lucid in her writing, setting the record straight.