Of Boys and Men by Richard Reeves is an important and timely book that takes an in depth look into the male experience throughout history. It covers topics from the rise of the church, to medieval warfare and the struggles that society faces with gender roles. With an easy to read style, Richard Reeves offers a comprehensive overview of how men have been defined, both by themselves and by society.
The book starts with an exploration of men in the Middle Ages, and how those roles have changed in our modern day. During that time there were two roles that were vital for men to fill: warrior and religious. The church ensured that men were provided with power, status, and respect by advancing the notion that they should be the protectors of their families and society. This also created a sense of entitlement that perpetuated certain behaviors and values throughout history.
Reeves then discusses how this traditional view of masculinity has kept men from fulfilling their potential and stifled their emotional and spiritual growth. He looks at the rise of the women's movement, and how it has forced a re-examination of gender roles. He dissects the notion that boys don't cry and its influence on male aggression, as well as discussing the struggles that men face in the modern world.
The book then delves into the history of masculinity and how the varying views of men around the world have shaped the way men are seen today. Reeves examines how men were seen during the Industrial Revolution, with the emergence of two stereotypical male roles - the worker and the provider. The idea of masculinity during this period could be seen in the way men were portrayed in popular culture, as well as their attitudes and behavior in their everyday lives.
Reeves uses case studies from around the world to exemplify how men of different cultures and societies have been affected by similar issues. Of Boys and Men offers an insightful look into traditional gender roles, examining the ways in which gender dictates the behavior of men and women and the effects this can have on a person's sense of identity and self-worth. It is an important book that will give readers a better understanding of the male experience in our society.
The book has been praised by critics around the world and even won an award for Best Non-Fiction book of 2017. Of Boys and Men is an insightful and thought-provoking read that will leave readers with a greater appreciation for the struggles that men face and the history of how men have been viewed and treated throughout the ages.
