Abstract

Feminism has changed the world; it is radically reshaping women’s lives. But what about men? They still hold most of the power in the economy, in government, in religions, in the media and often in the family too. At the same time, many men are questioning traditional views about what it means to be a man. Others resent the gains women have made and want to turn back the clock. Nikki van der Gaag asks the question: how might feminism improve the lives of men as well as women? And is there a place for men in the feminist story?
Nikki van der Gaag is Director of Gender Justice and Women's Rights at Oxfam GB. She has been involved in feminism and development for more than 20 years and has held senior editorial and communications posts in the non-profit sector, including at Oxfam, the New Internationalist and the Panos Institute. She specializes in writing about gender, in particular girls’ issues, and men and gender equality. She is the principal author of six of the eight State of the World’s Girls reports and has written nine other books, including The No-nonsense Guide to Women’s Rights.
‘This book is highly recommended to anyone with an interest in issues around feminism and gender and could be the starting point for anyone looking to get an overview of men’s involvement in this movement.’ San Francisco Review of Books 'Globally, women have always been the vanguard in the struggle for gender equality. Yet as this book argues so persuasively we urgently need to engage men everywhere in the process, thereby allowing both women and men more freedom to pursue their full humanity, wholeness and balance. An essential text for all those engaging with development studies or any aspect of gendered education and health.' Lynne Segal, author of Why Feminism? 'This book is thoughtful, insightful, and an effective mix of theory and personal narratives which build a strong case about the importance of feminism embracing men and men embracing feminism.' Michael Kaufman, co-founder of the White Ribbon Campaign 'Men's relation to feminism has long been a contentious issue, irresolvable by a simple yes or no. Which is what makes Nikki van der Gaag's book so valuable: she teases out different strands of engagement and support in a variety of venues. It's not a question of whether or not men can "be" feminists, but a question of how and where, and how they remain accountable.' Michael Kimmel, Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies, Stony Brook University, author of Angry White Men and The Guy's Guide to Feminism 'Nikki van der Gaag successfully includes global voices in the conversation about men and feminism. With its attention to issues of work, education, caregiving and violence, this book is a welcome addition for all those seeking gender justice worldwide.' Shira Tarrant, PhD, author Men and Feminism and Men Speak Out: Views on Gender, Sex, and Power. 'Thoroughly researched, engagingly written and refreshingly global in scope, Feminism and Men contributes significantly to the continuing debate over men's role in feminism. Nikki van der Gaag exhaustively examines her subject from multiple angles - political, economic, social, psychological and historical - to substantiate her argument that men must be more fully engaged in the struggle for gender justice.' Alyson Cole, Professor of Political Science and Women's Studies, City University of New York, and author of The Cult of True Victimhood: From the War on Welfare to the War on Terror