What Do Men Want?: Masculinity and Its Discontents
Nina Power
From the acclaimed philosopher and author of One-Dimensional Woman, a bold, playful and open-minded exploration of the role of men in the twenty-first century
Something is definitely up with men. From millions online who engage with the manosphere to the #metoo backlash, from Men's Rights activists and incels to spiralling suicide rates, it's easy to see that, while men still rule the world, masculinity is in crisis.
How can men and women live together in a world where capitalism and consumerism has replaced the values - family, religion, service and honour - that used to give our lives meaning? Feminism has gone some way towards dismantling the patriarchy, but how can we hold on to the best aspects of our metaphorical Father?
With illuminating writing from an original, big-picture perspective, Nina Power unlocks the secrets hidden in our culture to enable men and women to practice playfulness and forgiveness, and reach a true mutual understanding and a lifetime of love.
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About Nina Power
Reviews for What Do Men Want?: Masculinity and Its Discontents
Louise Perry
The Times
A series of very congenial but devastating shots at contemporary gender politics ... Power seeks to carve out a new path in the relationship between men and women - one where neither side is stripped of its distinct humanity ... a refreshing take on sexual politics
Jarryd Bartle
Critic
Hopeful ... By peppering her book with humour, Power rehumanises the gender debate
Tim Stanley
Daily Telegraph
Power is brave ... she writes like a dream
Christina Patterson
Sunday Times
Forceful and rather unusual ... Power's argument is that the all-out assault on men has gone too far ... men need to be heard. Simply shutting them out of the most important cultural conversations because of their perceived privilege only increases resentment between the sexes
Jay Elwes
Spectator
Distinctive, rooted in a refusal to regard men and women as forever locked in warring positions. This perspective is combined with a humanistic approach to her subject that takes suffering in all its forms seriously ... creating space for nuance and reflection
Mary McGill
Irish Independent
I have been moved by Nina Power's new book What Do Men Want? She searches for a more rounded take on the battle of the sexes ... Power strikes a warning note which all of us could heed
Ian Harrow
Spectator
Provocative and rigorous ... she refuses easy essentialist answers about toxic masculinity or any simplistic notions of patriarchy
Tim Adams
Observer
[Power is] less interested in the sins of the fathers and more concerned with the potential virtues of the sons ... her conclusion ... points to a more positive future in which the war of the sexes gives way to a playful peace
Julian Baggini
Literary Review
This book is both significant and timely ... insightful and sharply focused ... Power invites reflection on fundamental issues of human goodness, desire and suffering, going beyond culture wars
Tina Beattie
The Tablet