Title
Unlocking the Iron Cage: The Men's Movement, Gender Politics, and American Culture,Used
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The mythopoetic men's movement grew quietly for ten years before Roberts Bly's bestseller Iron John brought the movement to national attention. Reactions to the movement ranged from bemused or dismissive stories appearing in Sunday supplements and magazines, to outrageous lampoons on stage, toharsh criticism by many feminists. Bly and the mythopoetic claimed in turn to be misunderstood. What is the truth about these men and their movement? Why do these middleclass white men gather at rustic camps to beat drums, dance wildly, hold sweat lodge rituals, laugh and cry, and listen to oldmyths and fairy tales?Based on Michael Schwalbe's three years of experience as a participant and observer at over one hundred meetings, as well as on interviews with active members, Unlocking the Iron Cage provides a revealing look at who these men are, what they do, why mythopoetic activity appeals to them, what needsit fills, where it succeeds, and where it fails. Schwalbe illuminates the theory behind the mythopoetic movementwhich derives largely from Jungian psychology and the archetypal psychology of James Hillmanbut for the most part he focuses on the rankandfile participants. He finds mostlymiddleclass men trying to cope with the legacy of fathers who gave little emotional sustenance and with a competitive society they find unsatisfying, who sympathize with many of women's complaints about men and sexism (though Schwalbe also finds that many joined as a reaction to what they saw asfeminism's blanket indictment of men), and who are searching for an alternative to the traditional image of a man as rational, tough, ambitious, and in control.Schwalbe finds much of value in the men's quest. For instance, he highlights the religious appeal of mythopoetic activity, with its emphasis on finding one's personal truth, its gentle pantheism, its use of ritual to create emotional communionall of which give the men the wide, inclusive path tospirituality they want. And he shows how Jungian psychology helps the men to redefine their feminine traits, especially their emotionality, as aspects of "deep masculinity." But he also levels some criticisms. He shows, for example, that the myths the men embracemyths that tend to be devoid ofwomen, or that portray women as beautiful prizes, or as hags, or cloying mothers reinforce the presumptions of male superiority they claim to reject.If the mythopoetic movement seems absurd to an outsiders, it is no more ludicrous than footballwith fans shirtless in freezing weather, their faces painted, screaming themselves hoarseand it is far less damaging to men's image of women or of themselves. In Unlocking the Iron Cage, MichaelSchwalbe provides an understanding, insightful account of this oftenmaligned grassroots movement, revealing both its potential for harm and the genuine value it has for many people.
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- Q: What is the page count of this book? A: This book has three hundred four pages. It offers a comprehensive examination of the mythopoetic men's movement.
- Q: What are the dimensions of 'Unlocking the Iron Cage'? A: The book measures six point three eight inches in length, one inch in width, and nine point five seven inches in height.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This book is bound in hardcover. Hardcover binding provides durability and protection for the pages.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Unlocking the Iron Cage'? A: The author is Michael Schwalbe. He provides insights based on his experiences with the mythopoetic men's movement.
- Q: What is the genre of this book? A: This book falls under the Social Sciences genre. It explores gender politics and cultural dynamics in America.
- Q: How do I read 'Unlocking the Iron Cage' effectively? A: You can read this book at your own pace. It's suitable for anyone interested in gender studies and cultural analysis.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners in gender studies? A: Yes, this book is suitable for beginners. Schwalbe's clear writing makes complex ideas accessible to all readers.
- Q: What age group is this book appropriate for? A: This book is appropriate for adults and older teens. It deals with mature themes in gender politics.
- Q: How should I care for my copy of 'Unlocking the Iron Cage'? A: To care for your book, store it upright in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight to preserve the cover.
- Q: Is it safe to read 'Unlocking the Iron Cage' for younger audiences? A: No, this book contains adult themes. It's primarily aimed at an adult audience interested in social issues.
- Q: What if my book arrives damaged? A: If your book arrives damaged, you can contact the retailer for a return or exchange. Most retailers have a customer service policy for such issues.
- Q: What is the return policy for 'Unlocking the Iron Cage'? A: The return policy varies by retailer. Check the specific return policy of the store where you purchased the book.
- Q: Can I find this book in digital format? A: Yes, 'Unlocking the Iron Cage' may be available in digital format. Check online bookstores for eBook options.
- Q: How does this book compare to other works on gender politics? A: This book offers a unique perspective on the men's movement, differing from feminist critiques. It provides insights into male experiences.
- Q: What is the main theme of 'Unlocking the Iron Cage'? A: The main theme is the exploration of the mythopoetic men's movement and its implications in contemporary society.
- Q: Is there a glossary or index in the book? A: No, this book does not include a glossary or index. However, it is structured to provide clarity on key concepts.