Here’s a must-read article: “Man Up! The Traditional Maile Is an Endangered Species. It’s Time to Re-Think Masculinity.” Written by Andrew Romano and Tony Dokoupil. Cover article for September 27, 2010 Newsweek.
The authors explain why it’s time to “reimagine masculinity at work and at home.” They remind us all that, despite some advances, men still don’t fully share in child-rearing and household chores. In fact, if both mom and dad work, mom spends 400% more time with the kids.
The old roles are hard to change. We’re socialized. But change, we must – both our public policy and our attitudes. As the authors note,
if men really partnered in parenting, women would be “spared the stigma of the ‘mommy track’ and the professional penalties…that come with it.” With involved fathers, more kids might “stay in school, steer clear of crime, and avoid poverty as adults.”
And if the US actually achieved gender parity in the workplace? We could grow our gross domestic product by as much as 9%. That’s what research shows.
But most importantly? Here’s what the authors say: “In a changing world, men should do whatever it takes to contribute their fair share at home and at work, and schools, policymakers, and employers should do whatever they can to help them. After all, what’s more masculine: being a strong, silent, unemployed absentee father, or actually fulfilling your half of the bargain as a breadwinner and a dad?”
Read the article. Pass it on to men and women. Let’s make change.
