I recently read “Guyland: The Perilous World Where Boys Become Men” by Michael Kimmel and highly recommend it.
Kimmel discusses the modern world of boys and young men. His basic premise is that there is a new developmental stage for males between ages 16 and 26. Historically, men would assume the responsibilities of work, marriage, and family fairly quickly after boyhood. In today’s world, more and more men are delaying those responsibilities.
Kimmel also examines the culture of males, especially young males, and how the consumption of media, hazing, and pornography impacts that culture. He also explores how the culture of males impacts the girls and women that must interact with them.
While I found Guyland to be at times a bit too alarmist, it did make me reflect upon my own experience and question some of my own assumptions. There is valuable information and insight throughout Guyland. Anyone who interacts with boys and young men and seeks to better understand their world should read this book.
