The consciousness and philosophy of men's liberation is split into two factions. One is critical of the restraints which a patriarchal society imposes on men. This faction is informed by feminism. The other, critical of the restraints matriarchal society imposes on men, is informed by masculinism. The set of beliefs proposed by feminism and masculinism form a backdrop for each of these liberation movements.
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This liberation theory holds that men are hurt by the male gender role and patriarchy and that men's lives are alienating, unhealthy and impoverished.
They are often sympathetic to feminism and seek to emancipate men in the same manner by which women continue to seek liberation through the feminist movement.
They believe that men are overworked, trained to kill or be killed, brutalized and subjected to blame and shame. They give attention to the damage, isolation and suffering inflicted on boys and men through their socialization into manhood.
This alternative thesis holds that men are hurt by gender roles and the cultural, moral, and legal mores associated by matriarchy. It points to double standards with regard to military draft, a family sphere in which male-providership is both demanded and marginalised, and institutionalised misandry.
It argues that the expectations which a feminist or matriarchal society places upon men are unfair to men.
This liberation theory is antipathetic to feminism, and informs itself instead by masculist thought - i.e. a philosophy which places high importances on the feelings and perspectives of men rather than a concern for the physical safety, socio-economic capabilities and rights of women.
It advocates a consciousness change in the mass man where he transgresses matriarchal standards, expectations and status quos.
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