The End of Men?

What makes a good man?
Models of masculinity may be less constricting than they used to be – but boys and men are confused about what’s expected of them, and it shows. In education, in mental health, in relationships, they’re struggling. And we’re all struggling to have a constructive conversation about the challenges they face.
In this grounded, forthright and hopeful book, Simon Smart reconsiders the modern male dilemma. Drawing on his own experiences of schooling and fatherhood, the best contemporary research, interviews with those on the front lines of a growing crisis, as well as ancient wisdom, he asks the question: how can we help boys become their best selves, and a gift to those around them?

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‘I have a deeply held belief that with the right guidance from older men worth emulating, most boys will thrive and become the best version of themselves. They’ll then be in a better position to be partners and fathers. Everyone benefits. I’ve seen it happen. There is so much good to be done in offering a positive and life-giving vision that young people can live into, and I’m very much of the view that such a dynamic is possible, even in these days of growing polarisation, cynicism and fear.’

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Endorsements

This book, “The End of Men?,” is a gem, beginning with Simon‘s own stories of toxic masculinity at the school which he attended. He clearly defines the challenges facing men, ranging from violence to mental health.Importantly, Simon doesn’t just define the problems but identifies potential solutions to these challenges, from the creation of structure, propagation of values, allowance of risk, rites of passage, increased and informed roles for fathers and, beautifully, developing love and vulnerability as men. I love this book.