43 pages • 1 hour read
bell hooksThe Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2003A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love, bell hooks argues that patriarchal values harm both men and women by enforcing rigid gender roles that deny men vulnerability and perpetuate cycles of violence and domination. She advocates for a new definition of masculinity grounded in tenderness and integrity, urging both men and women to engage in reciprocal love to dismantle patriarchy effectively. The book contains discussions about the effects of patriarchy, including abuse, violence, sexual assault, and anti-gay bias.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Will to Change by bell hooks offers a profound and accessible exploration of masculinity and patriarchy. Readers appreciate its persuasive arguments and compassionate tone. While some critics find its repetitiveness detracts from the overall impact, most agree it provides valuable insights into gender dynamics and encourages transformative thinking.
Who Should Read The Will to Change?
The Will to Change by bell hooks appeals to readers interested in gender studies, progressive social change, and emotional growth. Similar audiences might enjoy Judith Butler's Gender Trouble and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's We Should All Be Feminists. Ideal for those who seek to understand and transform masculinity and patriarchy.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Gender / Feminism
Love / Sexuality
Relationships
Identity: Gender
Identity: Masculinity
Values/Ideas: Equality