What Do Men Want?

Praise for ONE DIMENSIONAL WOMAN: Crucially, it is Power's theoretical lens that raises this book above the level of much mainstream polemic. A philosophy lecturer, she will no doubt be dismissed by some for being too academic. But it is critical theory that gives her the tools to tackle these debates. One of the highlights is her fascinating genealogy of pornography. Many mainstream debates about gender equality remain boring, simplistic, even dangerous. That is why I salute this book: because it makes you think * The Guardian * Praise for ONE DIMENSIONAL WOMAN: 'Philosophically sophisticated, politically astute, Nina Power's trenchant analysis of the issues of work, sex and politics underlying consumerist contemporary feminism brings much-needed energy to debates too often trivialized. At a time when the media make minstrelization look like the only game in town, the acerbic wit, historical breadth and sheer imaginative inventiveness of One-Dimensional Woman provoke the subversive belief that feminism could again be a radical force for change. -- Helen DeWitt Bracingly original ... a refreshingly sympathetic view of men and masculinity -- Louise Perry * The Times * A series of very congenial but devastating shots at contemporary gender politics ... Power seeks to carve out a new path in the relationship between men and women - one where neither side is stripped of its distinct humanity ... a refreshing take on sexual politics -- Jarryd Bartle * Critic * Hopeful ... By peppering her book with humour, Power rehumanises the gender debate -- Tim Stanley * Daily Telegraph * Power is brave ... she writes like a dream -- Christina Patterson * Sunday Times * Forceful and rather unusual ... Power's argument is that the all-out assault on men has gone too far ... men need to be heard. Simply shutting them out of the most important cultural conversations because of their perceived privilege only increases resentment between the sexes -- Jay Elwes * Spectator * Distinctive, rooted in a refusal to regard men and women as forever locked in warring positions. This perspective is combined with a humanistic approach to her subject that takes suffering in all its forms seriously ... creating space for nuance and reflection -- Mary McGill * Irish Independent * I have been moved by Nina Power's new book What Do Men Want? She searches for a more rounded take on the battle of the sexes ... Power strikes a warning note which all of us could heed -- Ian Harrow * Spectator * Provocative and rigorous ... she refuses easy essentialist answers about toxic masculinity or any simplistic notions of patriarchy -- Tim Adams * Observer * [Power is] less interested in the sins of the fathers and more concerned with the potential virtues of the sons ... her conclusion ... points to a more positive future in which the war of the sexes gives way to a playful peace. -- Julian Baggini * Literary Review * This book is both significant and timely ... insightful and sharply focused ... Power invites reflection on fundamental issues of human goodness, desire and suffering, going beyond culture wars. -- Tina Beattie * The Tablet * A provocative new book ... traverses taboos ... brave -- Ani O'Brien * New Zealand Herald * It has never been less fashionable to be a man. Masculinity is routinely damned as inherently toxic - yet men are frequently trapped in systems of other men's making , as feminist philosopher Power points out... with humour and empathy -- Tim Stanley * Telegraph * Makes the case for a more generous and humane feminist discourse -- Zoe Heller * New Yorker *