Recommended Reading #36: Men
"Does empowering women really make men less 'relevant'?" by Hugo Schwyzer (Reproductive Freedom, Gender Socialization, Relationship) 11/12/10
For as long as I can remember I have appreciated perspectives that have perceived the unfavorable effects (and/or arbitrary nature) of gender socialization to both/all sexes. Women indeed have experienced collectively effects of the phenomenon in tangibly grotesque ways, which is a foundation of the formation and emergence of feminism. I appreciate that and also appreciate recognizing that the constraints of gender socialization are as well harmful to all; the entire conundrum of the contention of certain "roles" or "ways of being" according to one's sex has always struck me as profoundly misguided and inescapably detrimental. I appreciate the exploration in this article of this and the opportunity for men (and all of us in our collective perception of "men") in the lessening and dissolution of gender-based prescriptions particularly in the context of shifting medical/physical circumstances.
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"Downsides to being seen as a man" at Not Another Aiden (Gender/Sexual Identity, Gender and Society) 8/12/10
I found this post an interesting first-person exposition on experiences of gender (from someone who has experienced it from different sides), specifically as a man, in U.S. culture.
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"The Myth of the Male Orgasm" by Sarah Sloane (Relationship, Gender Socialization, Sex and Culture, Sexuality Education) 12/16/10
I found it heartening and refreshing to see a piece devoted to the variety and individuality of the biological male sexual experience. The idea that men all are interested in the same thing and perform the same way strikes me as ludicrous (and I too have personally observed that it does not seem to be the case), yet it also seems a pervasive underlying perception in the general culture. I deeply love and appreciate the straightforward, compassionate tone of this piece in saying things that seem to me very important to be said.
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