MASCULINITY is deteriorating... It is in danger... Men are losing some of their distinctive characteristics... They are attacking women because they are losing their masculinity. This is the message in a controversial book by the psychiatrist, Dr. Anthony Claire. He thinks that modern life in the developed world has robbed men of their physical, psychological and moral features. In other words, man in the jungle or in the desert is more masculine than man in the bank, the office or the government department.
Dr. Claire presents a radio program entitled “On the Psychiatrist’s Couch.” He works in a hospital in Dublin (Ireland) and his experiences have afforded him a number of psychological insights.
In his book, he took the side of women; he said the only reason for the constant battle of the sexes is due to men’s fear of women. The man fights her success and looks down on her abilities. He doesn’t want to be tied to her all the time because that will make him realize his defeat. He wants to have his cake and eat it too — to be simultaneously a bachelor as well as a father. He may want to adopt a child or he may divorce his wife and abandon his children. He flees from his duties as husband and father. Dr. Claire believes that development has unveiled the real man. Now he is in a deep dilemma, especially since women have reached top positions and become decision-makers in many governments and organizations.
After the development of in vitro fertilization, the man lost his importance in begetting children. This has led to an increase in suicide rates. For example, in Britain six thousand men committed suicide in 1999. The rate of divorce has also increased significantly in the developed world. To be a single is the rule and to be married the exception. So more psychologically and physically sick children are on the way to threaten society. Also a divorced woman will suffer psychologically and physically when she has to shoulder the burden of bringing up and supporting her children alone which will be reflected on her children though unconsciously.
Now, what is the solution?
Dr. Claire said the woman’s troubles and those of the world are caused by man’s aggressive nature and his desire to control women. He succeeded at that for a long time until women woke up and demanded their rights. The first thing in resolving the conflict is for man to abandon his historical view of woman and his discrimination against her. He should be less practical and more gentle in dealing with her; he should express love, respect and appreciation for her. He should revive the traditional values, those of the family. Instead of a feverish pursuit of power and money which had damaged his masculinity, he must devote time to his home, his wife and children. This is the way for men to regain their masculinity.
The book, “Masculinity in Danger,” which appeared in the Sunday Times met severe criticisms because it attacked men. The reviewers felt he based his conclusions on those cases which supported his ideas. Also he dealt with patients needing treatment rather than with ordinary healthy men.
