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On‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode‌ ‌of‌ ‌The‌ ‌Small‌ ‌Business‌ ‌Radio‌ ‌Show…‌ ‌

The idea of masculinity has come into focus with this past election of Donald Trump – it was one of the biggest gender divides with Trump emphasizing his brand of masculinity and the idea that men had to take care of women. When the votes were counted, men overwhelming voted for Trump and woman for Harris.

So what’s going on here? Is this something new or a throwback to the past?

My guest is Dr. Ronald Levant who is Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of Akron and past President of the American Psychological Association. Ranked among the top 2 percent of scientists in the world by the Elsevier-Stanford University database, he is one of the key professionals responsible for creating a whole new field of psychology—the psychology of men and masculinity. He earned his doctorate in Clinical Psychology and Public Practice from Harvard University.

He has a new book called “The Problem with Men”.

Here is what I asked:

  • How would analyze the election results through the lens of masculinity?
  • What about the whole abortion/ women’s choice issues- there is even a meme right now instead of my body my choice- your body my choice
  • How did the idea for The Problem with Men (Koehler Books; September 2024) originate?
  • Although you didn’t coin the term “toxic masculinity,” you are recognized for creating a subfield of psychology devoted to studying masculine norms. What drove your commitment to understanding problematic men?
  • Why do you credit your abusive father for shaping you, personally and professionally, for both worse and better?
  • In “The Problem with Men”, you credit your mother’s love with making it possible for you to perceive your father’s abuse as unjust rather than deserved and to believe in yourself. How do you reconcile your gratitude for her loving care with her inability to protect you?
  • As a boy, you were terrorized by neighborhood bullies, in addition to your abusive father, and subjected to antisemitism. Why should parents take the threat and toll of bullying seriously, especially in our digital age?
  • Your memoir unfolds against historical events, particularly in the 1960s. Would you describe yourself as a former hippie? What was it like to be in Berkeley during the civil rights movement and Haight Ashbury during the “summer of love”?
  • In “The Problem with Men”, you emphasize two of your saving qualities: grit and resilience. Would you clarify the importance of each?

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