Award winning British artist Grayson Perry is becoming something of a national treasure who I have seen on UK television exploring a variety of social and political themes. In this slim volume, which is a tie in to his TV series 'All Man', he questions what it is to be a man in the present day and suggests an updated type of masculinity, one that rejects traditional machismo and is more vulnerable and emotional. There are a lot of references to classic sociological theories such as the nature/nurture argument (Perry sides with nurture) along with some new insights, such as the role of manhood in marketing, and the questioning of the male bias in media and politics.
The Descent of Man is easy to read and understand with it's well presented arguments. It is also quite funny in parts and contains a selection of the artists illustrations.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie makes pretty much the same points for men changing their behaviour in We Should All Be Feminists viewing the argument from a female stance. This short and sassy essay is based upon a TED talk that the author gave. It is concise, sharply written, easy to read and liberally peppered with the author's own experiences many of which are easy to relate to and instantly recognisable if you are a woman.
I recommend both of these books highly.
If you have read any amount of feminist literature there won't be much that you haven't considered before but both authors put their cases across eloquently and with believable passion.
If you have more time and would like to see things from the viewpoint of an enlightened man then read The Descent of Man.
If you want a briefer summary then pick up We Should All Be Feminists Now.
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