By 96five Monday 2 Sep 2024Sunday CelebrationBooks & LiteratureReading Time: 3 minutes
Simon Smart’s book, ‘The End of Men’ examines the significant shifts that have occurred in the roles of men within society. 96five’s Alex Milne found out more.
Simon, who is the Executive Director of the Centre for Public Christianity has recently released a thought-provoking book titled ‘The End of Men‘, which delves into the evolving roles and challenges faced by men in today’s world.
In the book, Simon asks the question ‘what makes a good man’, while touching on the complexities of modern masculinity and the importance of fostering positive environments for young men.
Over the last few decades. there have been significant shifts in the roles of men within society, as well as their own family dynamics.
“In many ways, as I thought about it, it’s gone on for a long time”, Simon told Alex Milne on Sunday Celebration.
“How I was brought up was different to how I brought my son up, which is different to how he’s brought his children up. And so, it’s a fluid situation, if you will.”
Simon’s book ‘The End of Men’ explores the changing role of men in society (supplied).
These generational differences highlight the ongoing transformation in how masculinity is perceived and practiced. The book aims to address the confusion and uncertainty that many young men feel today about their roles, and emphasises the need for positive examples and environments that allow them to thrive.
One key aspect discussed in Simon’s book is the state of young men in society, with Simon pinpointing the challenges men face today in the spheres of education and mental health.
“There was a university admissions centre study that found, being male was greater than any other disadvantage that they looked at in terms of acceptance into university and how well you do once you’re there.”
Moreover, Simon pointed out the dire mental health statistics, notably higher rates of suicide among men, which shed light on the critical need for supportive structures and role models.
He said that there is a dual focus of addressing both the damage that men are inflicting and the struggles they endure.
“There’s nine suicides daily in Australia and seven of those will be men.
“There’s lots in the media about the damage that men are doing to other people, particularly women. So the domestic violence statistics are terrible and in this book I’m trying to really acknowledge that, and recognise what needs to be done there.
“And then alongside that you have this reality that men aren’t doing very well. So the argument here is that, we need the boys, girls, the young men and women to flourish alongside each other in order for us to serve the common good.”
Simon’s book also underscores the role of Christianity and its moral framework in shaping virtuous masculinity. He believes that detachment from religious teachings has contributed to the problems men face today.
“I think young men know how to be good, how to be good men, but they have to be shown. And the picture of Jesus is such a kind of energising, exciting one, when you look at what he’s like amongst his friends, but also amongst his opponents.”
The book calls for a reimagining of masculinity that encourages men to deploy their strengths—be it physical, intellectual, creative or emotional—in service of others.
“If you can deploy those strengths, in the service of other people, you will live a full and rewarding life and your presence will be a gift to those around you.”
Ultimately, that is one of the key messages of the book – an outward focus and service of others, so that society can benefit from an overabundance of good men.
Listen to Simon’s chat with Alex Milne in the audio player at the top of the page.
If anything in this story raises issues for you call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.