Publishers Weekly
01/31/2019
The cofounder of the White Ribbon Campaign and a member of the Canadian G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council directs a well-constructed argument toward his fellow men (particularly straight, white, middle-class men): that actively working for gender equity at personal, organizational, and societal levels is not only critical for human rights as a whole, but directly beneficial to men and their children. Kaufman (The Guy’s Guide to Feminism) begins with some basics: a discussion of privilege and how recognizing it begins by listening to women; a framing of the gendering of the brain as epigenetic and based in how parents teach infants gender stereotypes from birth; and an explanation of how unrealistic ideals of manhood limit men’s full expression as human beings. Kaufman’s biggest focus is on what he calls “the Dad Shift,” an acknowledgement that men are well-suited to be caregivers and that doing so improves outcomes for kids, leads to personal growth for men, challenges the undervaluation of traditional women’s work, and models equality for future generations. Kaufman is admirably careful not to take over the work of women and other marginalized people, focusing on educating and motivating his peers. This is a cogent, unusual call to action. Agent: Julia Lord, Julia Lord Literary Management. (Jan.)
From the Publisher
Praise for The Time Has Come
An 800 CEO Read Business Book to Watch
"There’s never been a better opportunity for gender equality, Kaufman argues. But the work can’t fall to women alone. To galvanize men to join the movement, he challenges expectations around power, parenthood and progress in this timely new book." —Danielle Groen, Chatelaine
"The cofounder of the White Ribbon Campaign and a member of the Canadian G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council directs a well-constructed argument toward his fellow men (particularly straight, white, middle-class men): that actively working for gender equity at personal, organizational, and societal levels is not only critical for human rights as a whole, but directly beneficial to men and their children . . . Kaufman is admirably careful not to take over the work of women and other marginalized people, focusing on educating and motivating his peers. This is a cogent, unusual call to action." —Publishers Weekly
"A longtime gender equality activist and masculinity studies scholar argues that women are not the only victims of patriarchy . . . A rousing vision . . . inclusive and timely arguments." —Kirkus Reviews
"The Time Has Come calls for men across the political, social, and economic spectrum to speak out about women’s rights . . . Both timely and refreshing, placing the onus on men to amend their perspectives on women and check their male privilege . . . Kaufman’s anecdotes about the significant ways men support one another in the fight against misogyny are incredibly touching and provide good examples of how men can be allies without centering their own experiences . . . A reassuring, empowering guide for men who want to be on the right side of history and welcome a feminist, gender-equal future." —Foreword Reviews
"Kaufman argues persuasively that true gender equality will be good for the economy, families, the environment, and perhaps, especially, men themselves . . . Kaufman focuses on how the power granted by gender inequality puts men over women, some men over other men, and man over nature, thus widening his scope. A timely, informative, thought-provoking, and practical approach to a necessary social reform. Recommended for both men and women." —Booklist
"Kaufman’s The Time Has Come offers a personal and instructive appeal for men to take the journey from self-reflection to allyship to advocacy around gender equality." —Wade Davis, former NFL player, writer, and educator
"While progress toward achieving gender equity in media and entertainment is still glacial in many areas, we need to engage men and boys to stand by our sides, to help give us a stronger voice, get us a seat at the table, and be our champions in order to make systemic change. Michael Kaufman’s book is a must-read!" —Madeline Di Nonno, CEO of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media
"This book is a timely, incisive, and accessible wake-up call for men around the world. One of the things I'm asked most commonly in my work is: where are the men discussing these issues? Why aren't more men taking up this cause? Where is the book that will speak to men about this topic? Well that book is here. It is vital reading for men everywhere and I hope it will support new wave of men and boys to become part of a battle that is as much theirs as it is women’s." —Laura Bates, Writer and Founder of Everyday Sexism
"This is the global guidebook for all men, particularly our young men, to reflect and reconcile the global struggle and aspiration to redefine our lives as men. May all of us take what we learn from this book to action: listening to women and engaging men to work toward a better tomorrow for all." —David L. Bell, MD, MPH, medical director of The Young Men’s Clinic at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center
"From a long career at the forefront of the movement for gender justice, Michael Kaufman offers a beautifully written, compelling vision for how men’s lives can improve—indeed, are already improving—as sexism and its supporting structures give way. He models both compassion and an uncompromising commitment to truth as he traces new possibilities for men and paints an enticing picture of what lies just ahead. Parents of boys will find Kaufman’s message essential and encouraging." —Michael C. Reichert, author of How to Raise a Boy: The Power of Connection to Build Good Men
"This is a must-read book that will help us to rethink and redefine gender roles. It thoughtfully describes the deep-rooted stereotypes we need to challenge and the opportunities that will arise when we do. This is a book of hope." —Aline Santos, Executive Vice President Global Marketing and Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Unilever
"Just as I expected, a thought-provoking book from Michael Kaufman. He is so right that the time has truly come for men to step it up for a gender-equal world, to listen to the voices of women—and to take joint action. Gender equality is not a woman’s problem; it is a societal issue, an economic issue, and an imperative for driving progress for all." —Katja Iversen, president and CEO of Women Deliver
"Kaufman provides a compelling case for men’s stake in joining the fight for gender equity and for the benefits that we stand to gain in doing so. With humor, heart, and research he provides a relatable blueprint for men who want to embark on this important journey." —Matt McGorry, actor (Orange is the New Black, How to Get Away with Murder) and activist
"Through personal stories, insights gleaned from decades of working to end gender-based violence, and practical advice for those men ready to step up to the plate, Kaufman has produced a special book. It will be an important guide to the many men now seeking ways to stop violence against women, to create a more nurturing and loving culture for all."—Judy Norsigian, co-creator, Our Bodies Ourselves
"[C]ritically important for our time and required reading for us all. I had a hard time putting it down – it’s a great book."—Rosanna Arquette, Emmy-nominated actor
"For too long the struggle for the rights of women and girls was seen as women’s business. Of course it’s equally men’s business and stops being such a struggle when it’s seen that way. This reframing gives us a chance to understand violence against women as deeply toxic for us all."—Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women
"An inspiring book loaded with wisdom and pragmatism. I strongly recommend this awesome book. COUNT ME IN!" —Ziauddin Yousafzai, Father of Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, Co-founder of the Malala Fund, United Nations Special Adviser on Global Education
"With a combination of compelling stories and facts, Michael Kaufman offers a timely and important case for engaging men in the ongoing fight for gender equality."—Deborah Gillis, President and CEO, Catalyst
