Watch video of a Jan. 25, 2010, talk by Michael Kimmel, a leading researcher and writer on men and masculinity in the world today. His most recent book, Guyland, is based on more than 400 interviews over a four-year span with young men, ages 16-26.
Kimmel’s study shows that the guys who live in “Guyland” are mostly white, middle-class, totally confused and cannot commit to their relationships, work or lives. Although they seem baffled by the riddles of manhood and responsibility, they submit to the “Guy Code” where locker-room behaviors, sexual conquests, bullying, violence and assuming a cocky jock pose can rule over the sacrifice and conformity of marriage and family. Obsessed with never wanting to grow up, this demographic, which is 22 million strong, craves video games, sports and depersonalized sexual relationships. In the end, Kimmel creates an interesting alternative vision for “Guyland.”
Contact: Anna Guest-Jelley (615) 322-4843
anna.guest-jelley@vanderbilt.edu