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Explores questions of masculinity, privilege, and identity to explain why some men become feminists while others become men’s rights activists
In the evolving landscape of gender activism in the United States, it is intriguing that four-in-ten American men now identify as feminists. Despite this seemingly positive shift, gender inequality remains deeply rooted in the US. Good Guys, Bad Guys delves into this paradox, unraveling the complexities of men’s feminist allyship and its limitations in propelling genuine progress.
Emily K. Carian masterfully dissects the narratives of two distinct groups of gender activists: feminist men and men who belong to the men's rights movement, which opposes feminism. By engaging directly with the men themselves, Carian constructs a compelling analysis of their journeys into these contrasting social movements.
Surprisingly, Carian 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.
"Engaging, original, and theoretically incisive, Good Guys, Bad Guys moves the discussion of men’s relationship with gender activism to a new level of sophistication. I highly recommend it."
"Feminists: don’t pass on this book. While giving voice to the privileged might seem at odds with feminist sensibilities, Carian’s insightful study of feminist men and men’s rights activists takes a fresh look at the old adage to ‘know thy enemy.’ It turns out that the ‘good’ guys are actually bad (or at least limited), and the ‘bad’ guys are actually trying to be good. An analysis of these guys’ views is maddening at times but useful nonetheless: harnessing men’s desires to be ‘good’ just might bring a few of them in as true partners for gender equality."
"Good Guys, Bad Guys provides a detailed and thoughtful account of why and how men become gender activists. Carian’s interviews with male feminists and men’s rights activists demonstrate that they have much more in common than we might think. Despite being divided by what they believe, both want to be seen as good. Anyone interested in how we might encourage men to show up more effectively for feminism should read this book."
"A challenging and timely contribution to the fields of gender studies and social activism and/or advocacy."