Ask most people in what ways they think males are discriminated against
and they may be hard pushed to think of anything. Ask them the same
question about females and it’s likely that they will have a number of
examples, from salary discrepancies to sexual harassment. But is it
actually the case that women bear the brunt of discrimination in today’s
society and men get away scot-free? In his stimulating new book,
Professor David Benatar draws attention to this most contentious of
subjects and argues that, while few people take the idea seriously (and
many may find the mere mention of it laughable), males are also the
victim of many and quite serious forms of sexual discrimination and
until this is both acknowledged and addressed, gender equality cannot be
achieved.
Making careful use of empirical data, drawing on recent research into
what constitutes sexism, and backing up his arguments with a range of
thought-provoking examples – including the fact that men are more likely
to be pressured into joining the military and to fight in war, they are
much more likely to be the victims of violence and, in a divorce, are
much less likely to gain custody of their children - Benatar guides the
reader comprehensively through what constitutes male sexism and shows us
where it exists, how it works and what it looks like. Along the way he
responds to those who would deny it exists and suggests some radical
ideas for change.
So, just how do you alter attitudes and find a solution to a problem
that is not understood and barely recognised by the bulk of society?
While Benatar acknowledges that the answers are unlikely to be found, or
even addressed, anytime soon, his clearly-written, deftly-argued book
must certainly be a step in the right direction…
Featured in:
The
Observer
BBC News Radio 5 Live Men's Hour (Download from http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/5live/menshour/menshour_20120513-2203a.mp3)
The
Times Grazia
BBC World Service News Hour
Pink
Paper
The
Independent
BBC
News Magazine/website
BBC World Service – Newshour (Download
from http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/newshour/all)
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