A History of Masculinity

From Patriarchy to Gender Justice

By: Ivan Jablonka, Nathan Bracher - translator

Narrated by: Joe Jameson

Brought to you by Penguin.

What does it mean to be a good man? To be a good father or a good partner? A good brother or a good friend?

In this insightful analysis, social historian Ivan Jablonka offers a re-examination of the patriarchy and its impact on men. Ranging widely across cultures, from Mesopotamia to Confucianism to Christianity to the revolutions of the 18th century, Jablonka uncovers the origins of our patriarchal societies. He then offers an updated model of masculinity based on a theory of gender justice that aims for a redistribution of gender, just as social justice demands the redistribution of wealth.

Arguing that it is high time for men to be as involved in gender justice as women, Jablonka shows that in order to build a more equal and respectful society, we must gain a deeper understanding of the structure of patriarchy - and reframe the conversation so that men define themselves by the rights of women. Widely acclaimed in France, this is an important work from a major thinker.

©2022 Ivan Jablonka (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Time to deconstruct the patriarchy

This book is as essential as Gerda Lerner's 'The Creation of Patriarchy' and, therefore, a must-read for men who want to or need to understand the privilege we live by at the expense of women.