
Masculinity and Morality
Larry May
What does it mean to be a morally responsible man? Psychology and the law have offered reasons to excuse men for acting aggressively. In these philosophically reflective essays, Larry May argues against standard accounts of traditional male behavior, discussing male anger, paternity, pornography, rape, sexual harassment, the exclusion of women, and what he terms the myth of uncontrollable male sexuality. While refuting the platitudes of the popular men's movement, his book challenges men to reassess and change behavior that has had detrimental effects on the lives of women and of men.
In May's view, the key to solving many problems is to understand how individual actions may combine to produce large-scale, harmful consequences. May is eager to reconceptualize male roles in ways that build on men's strength rather than rendering them androgynous. Each chapter in his book suggests strategies to effect changes based on May's views on the nature of moral responsibility.
Examining separatism and the socialization of youth in athletics and the military, specifically at Virginia Military Institute and the Citadel, May analyzes the moral implications of the way all-male environments are constructed. Rejecting the standard arguments for them, he speculates about the positive ways they might be used to transform the socialization of young men.
Product Details
About Larry May
Reviews for Masculinity and Morality
Journal of Moral Education
May... addresses several gender-related issues from a 'group-oriented' point of view.... He contends that men need to alter their behavior toward women, rejecting the position that innate qualities or badgering compel them to behave as they do.... He provides a well-articulated account of a distinctive stance on major issues.
Library Journal
This book represents May's latest ideas in his ongoing project to 'rethink' masculinity... His book is rich in insights and deservers to be widely read for its intelligent discussions of central aspects of sexist oppression in Western society. It is an admirable contribution to realizing Marx's dictum that the point of philosophy is to change the world, not merely interpret it.
Ethics