Stiffed: The Betrayal of Modern Man – Susan Faludi

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Stiffed: The Betrayal of the Modern Man by Susan Faludi is a groundbreaking exploration of masculinity in crisis. Known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning feminist journalism, Faludi shifts her focus from the “war on women” to the struggles of men in a changing world. Through deeply researched and empathetic narratives, she examines how economic shifts, cultural expectations, and political forces have reshaped male identity—from laid-off workers and veterans to Hollywood actors and teenage boys.

Faludi argues that modern manhood has been stripped of its utilitarian purpose, once rooted in service and contribution, and replaced with a hollow, performance-driven masculinity shaped by consumerism and media. With sharp analysis and vivid storytelling, Stiffed uncovers the societal betrayals that have fueled resentment and anger, offering crucial insights into contemporary gender dynamics, from the rise of “angry male” politics to the lasting impact of economic instability.

A must-read for those seeking to understand the roots of modern masculinity’s struggles, Stiffed remains a powerful and timely work that resonates in today’s political and cultural climate.