70-Year History of Men's Work

Over the last half-century, the definition of what it means to be a man has been in constant flux, paralleling societal shifts and changing expectations. This journey, marked by struggles and transformations, sheds light on men’s evolving roles and identities in our world.

The Repression of Childhood: The 1950s

Explore how societal norms enforced a stoic, unemotional masculinity, emphasizing performance overexpression.

The Mythopoetic Era: 1950s-1970s

Delve into the rise of the Mythopoetic Movement, catalyzed by the women’s liberation movement, highlighting a shift towards emotional acceptance and expression.

The Personal Prescriptive: 1970s-1990s

Investigate the era where gender dynamics, emotional growth, and brotherhood came under the spotlight amidst the rise and fall of the Men’s Movement. Influential figures like Bly, Keen, Farrell, and Kimmel addressed midlife challenges and also witnessed the decline of the men’s movement with the introduction of the MandKind Project (MKP). This is when men’s groups began.

The Age of Collaboration: 2000s to Now

Chart the progression towards a more collaborative and authentic form of masculinity, influenced significantly by Generation X. The importance of relationships and science-based approaches is growing.

The Resurgence of Men’s Work: 2000s to Now

Examine the renewed interest in men’s personal growth, emphasizing holistic health and performance as a new form of men’s work.

A New Era of Men’s Health: 2010s to Now

Highlight the growing engagement of younger men in men’s work, with a focus on body and emotional awareness.

Millennials and Beyond Embracing Community: 2010s-Present

Discuss transforming men’s work into a collaborative effort, stressing community and mental well-being. Growing importance of bottom-up growth and healing.

Expanding Horizons: The 2020s

Observe the shift to virtual platforms for men’s support, influenced by the pandemic and a media resurgence in men’s well-being.

Co-Creating a New Men’s Movement: The 2020s

Envision a future where old constructs of masculinity are dismantled, paving the way for a movement co-created by diverse experiences and somatic approaches. A growth of varied offerings for men on the Internet, the manosphere associated with opposition to feminism to intersectional feminism. Richard Reeves, in his book “Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do about It,” explores “masculinity in crisis” as a societal issue.

The Evolution of Men’s Work: Embracing the MELD Method

Introduce the MELD Method (first brought to EVRYMAN), an approach blending science with emotional and relational connections, aiming for collective growth in both personal and professional spheres.