Voice Male: The Untold Story of the Pro-Feminist Men's Movement

by Rob A. Okun, Michael S. Kimmel (Foreword)

Here is a stunning new book that succeeds in doing nothing less than chronicling the social transformation of masculinity over a three-decade span. Through thematically arranged essays by leading experts, Voice Male illustrates how a growing movement of men is redefining masculinity. In this collection, Rob Okun directs a chorus of pro-feminist voices, introducing readers to men examining contemporary manhood from a variety of from overcoming violence, fatherhood, and navigating life as a man of color, a gay man, or a boy on the journey to manhood. It also provides a critical forum for both male survivors and GBTQ men to speak out. This inspired book is evidence of a new direction for men, brightly illuminating what’s around the bend on the path to gender justice.

Genres: Feminism, Gender, Nonfiction, Gender Studies, History

480 pages, Hardcover

First published October 15, 2013

Reviews

[Rosie]

Recently while watching the old "women in the workplace" films, I realized for all the insulting assumptions of how women behave at work there was an eerie subtext to the expectations of men. After stumbling into a slight "well, duh Rose" moment - it dawned on me that feminism affects men as much as it does women. This was a refreshing book to find on the rarely included perspectives of our gender counterparts. Compiled of articles from a magazine of the same name, I plan to follow their publications in order to keep an eye on the whole of those fighting for feminism: women and men - together.

Anyone with the wrong impression that feminism has failed must read this book!

[Haley]

400 pages of essays is a lot to read straight through, but would recommend this book to anyone. Gives a history of the pro feminist men's movement that most are unaware of (and thus that I would imagine many younger pro feminist men don't yet feel connected to) and discusses the way masculine ideals distort and damage men even as those men receive privilege and power over women. Lots of recommendations about how to shift the culture as we move forward.

[Brian Stout]

Great reminder of good folks doing good work in an under-discussed space: we all have a role in dismantling patriarchy. A useful collection of essays which the reader can pick/choose depending on appetite.

[Clivemichael]

Excellent collection of contemporary observations and radical perspectives. An inspiring primer for moving us towards a healthier society.

[Ryan Mishap]

A worthy and necessary addition to the world that spans the gamut of thoughts, actions, and organizing by pro-feminist men over the last few decades. Very clearly states that their inspiration comes from women's liberation and they aren't talking about some men's rights b.s.

As with any anthology, the quality of each piece varies but the variety, importance, and potential in these works is essential. The brief history of the por-feminist men's movement is illuminating and encouraging.

Recommended!