Boys Will be Boys: Breaking the Link Between Masculinity and Violence (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Miedzian's provocative report, which is stronger in its diagnoses than its prescriptions, contends that a ' 'masculine mystique ' ' contributes to domestic, criminal and international violence.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Why do some boys become violent men? Miedzian's research indicts absent fathers and the "culture of violence" that promotes war toys, violent films and music, brutal sports, and bigotry. Includes tested school programs for changing the "male mind-set."
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Anchor (May 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385422547
• ISBN-13: 978-0385422543
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,351,278 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Teaching Non-Violence, December 3, 2002

By	Oceana - See all my reviews

This review is from: Boys Will Be Boys: Breaking the Link Between Masculinity and Violence (Paperback)

This book is divided into three sections. The introduction (first three chapters) is about violence and it's basis in our culture and biology. Myriam Miedzian became interested in this work of non-violence through the role model of her peaceful father and the horrors he had to endure over his lifetime in war. She has become aware that the majority of violent acts (criminal, domestic, and in war) are perpetrated by men. She represents a very balanced view, which works towards equality and change.

Section one is about parenting (especially fathering) in a way that teaches non-violence. Section two is a fascinating education about school programs to teach about non-violence through responsible parenting, and ending bullying, war, and bigotry. Section three is about the media and the encouragement of violence through sports, TV, movies, music, wrestling TV, "violence toys" (including video games), and marketing to children.

I highly recommend this book to parents, and all people who work with children.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the basic book for raising your son, February 21, 2000

By	Pablo Stanfield (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This book presents in a way that no one can argue with, the clear links between how we treat and train our boys and why they act out later with violence. Boys will be boys, we say, excusing the inexcusable... because it was taught to us by our parents too.

Break the chain! Break the chains that tie so many young men in prison for violent actions. Stop the cycle that says, "I couldn't help it. It's just natural to get angry, to hit, to ..." Save a boy from this curse.

Let him have a nurturing father (-figure), let him play with dolls and practice caring for others (as a future father of America), let him learn how to feel and talk. Don't lock him up!

Let him learn to be a real, caring man.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This book exposes how culture infiltrates boys' minds, July 30, 1999

By A Customer

Boys Will Be Boys shatters the American assumption that masculinity and violence need exist hand in hand. This book describes masculine violence within the realms of military policy, criminal behavior, and boyhood. It details how boys are being raised violent and are not necessarily born with more violent tendencies than girls. This is a must read for anyone interested in gender studies or childcare.