Good Guys, Bad Guys: The Perils of Men's Gender Activism

Good Guys, Bad Guys explores why some men become feminists while others become men's rights activists, examining the complexities of their journeys and the limitations of their movements in achieving genuine progress. It highlights the common motivation of both groups to be perceived as good men, but how this can hinder feminist men from envisioning effective strategies to challenge gender inequality and fuel men's rights activists' participation in a movement that fosters misogyny.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 07 May 2024
Publisher: New York University Press

Exploring the complex intersections of masculinity, privilege, and identity, Emily K. Carian's insightful book, "Good Guys, Bad Guys: Men Who Become Feminists and Men's Rights Activists," delves into the paradox of men's feminist allyship and its limitations in achieving genuine progress. Through direct engagement with the men themselves, Carian offers a compelling analysis of their journeys into these contrasting social movements. Surprisingly, she finds that both feminist men and men's rights activists share a common motivation for their engagement in gender activism: the desire to be perceived as good men. However, this well-intentioned yet superficial drive hinders feminist men from envisioning concrete and effective strategies to challenge gender inequality. Conversely, it fuels men's rights activists' participation in a movement that fosters a virulent misogyny.

Good Guys, Bad Guys exposes how even self-proclaimed feminist men inadvertently perpetuate gender inequality through their attitudes, behaviors, and relationships. As society navigates the complexities of gender activism, this book serves as a valuable resource in guiding the path towards a truly equal and inclusive future.

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781479821006