Warren Farrell talks gender roles at Princeton University

Submitted by Mastodon on Sat, 2014-04-12 13:25

Article here. Excerpt:

'The potential for reversal of traditional male-female roles is enormous, and unexpected.

That was the message on gender roles from activist and author Warren Farrell, who spoke to Princeton University students at the American Whig-Cliosophic Society, a literary and debating club, on campus Thursday night. Farrell, considered to be one of the most important male feminists in recent history, suggested that while much progress has been made on the women’s side of the role reversal, less has been done to expand options for men, and men have suffered for it.

“No one has created a sense of purpose for men who are not academically oriented, or career-minded,” Farrell said.

Farrell suggested that an increased focus on fatherhood can fill this void, but that such a focus has to this point been neglected by movements for gender equality.
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According to Farrell, increased regard for fatherhood as the focus of a man’s life has benefits for men, but also for their children, and especially their sons.

He described differences he has observed in typical parenting styles and the benefits of the presence of a father’s style.

“Guys who take care of children full time, those children do extremely well,” said Farrell.

Farrell considers this change in ideas surrounding male purpose and fatherhood important right now, suggesting that there is a “boy crisis” occurring.'

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"...male feminists in recent history..."

Bet it'd be news to him. If Warren Farrell's a feminist, then what the hell is Gloria Steinem?

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Submitted by Matt on Sun, 2014-04-13 03:42

"...[Farrell] suggested that while much progress has been made on the women’s side of the role reversal, less has been done to expand options for men, and men have suffered for it."

That's because it is biologically impossible. Women have made strides only because they have the invention of birth control and abortion to inhibit their biological programming. There is no such thing to inhibit the biological programming for men or to enhance or add to the male biological programming. Until we invent a way for men to have accidental pregnancies and have babies, there will be no equality in this area. It is simply impossible.

Those who are wanting to reach gender equality don't seem to realize it can only be a win for women. Aside from reproduction, women are the lesser or weaker gender, so "gender equality" will always involve artificially inflating women or oppressing men.

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Submitted by Kris on Sun, 2014-04-13 04:52

It's disappointing that Farrell, a man from whom so many good ideas have come, is falling back on traditional lines. He might as well say "man up," and play your traditional role as provider and protector. I suggest men not become fathers because the American legal system and culture are both incredibly anti-father. Let's have a fatherhood strike, in fact a husbandhood strike too, until such time as we get truly equal laws and equal treatment in the culture. It may be a long time before that happens. In the meanwhile, just falling back on traditional roles is not a good recommendation for young men.

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Submitted by redwoodwriter on Sun, 2014-04-13 05:58

I'm guessing that when it comes to "nature vs nurture" Farrell is from the nurture camp (aka socialization). He probably thinks women have made strides in career and infiltrating male traditional gender roles because of a change in socialization, when it is really because of the invention and accessibility of birth control.

Just read Farrell's bio on Wikipedia. Yep he is a sociologist. While I respect some of his work in regards to father's rights, I cannot get behind many of his beliefs and lack of understanding of biology. Biology influence socialization (probably the biggest influence). Since biology does not change, social attitudes will not change much. He has an uphill battle for achieving his goal of gender role reversal. I also notice that he and his first wife divorced. He was then single for 20 years and then married a younger women. He has no kids of his own. I'm guessing he has never run a business, employed anyone, nor been around pregnant women.

While I support anyone making whatever legal life choices they want to make, and filling any role they wish, it is worth understanding the biology as to why traditional gender roles are the most efficient and why women are not likely to be attracted to a man wishing to be a stay at home parent.

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Submitted by Kris on Mon, 2014-04-14 17:33