The Role of Men in Society: A Commentary on Esther Vilar
In Esther Vilar’s “What is Man?” she presents a provocative thesis: that man’s primary role in society is to work and serve the needs of women. Vilar opens with a stark definition:
“A man is a human being who works. By working, he supports himself, his wife, and his wife’s children.”
This made me think about how this premise could be viewed from an evolutionary perspective. My reaction to that is men are not necessarily serving women alone, but are also driven by a perhaps unconscious evolutionary goal: the desire to raise successful children. Throughout nature, it is often males who perform rituals and displays to attract females. In a sense, it can be seen as enslaving, but it’s also a deeply instinctual drive.
Masculinity as a Construct Shaped by Women
Vilar argues that women shape the very concept of masculinity to serve their needs:
“Any qualities in a man that a woman finds useful, she calls masculine; all others, of no use to her or to anyone else for that matter, she chooses to call effeminate.”
This made me think about how men are often expected to fit into these predefined roles, which can feel restrictive. My reaction to this is that while this might resonate with the dynamic between men and women in the past, today’s relationships, particularly with the rise of more diverse family structures, may not fit as neatly into this binary mold. It feels a bit dated in its heteronormative perspective.
Men and Their Work Uniforms
Vilar also highlights how men’s clothing reflects their role as workers:
“Men wear ‘uniforms’ or ‘suits’ made of durable, practical materials, with multiple pockets to carry tools and instruments essential for their work.”
This made me think about how men’s lack of choice in clothing can seem enslaving, as they all look the same. My reaction to that is, while women have more freedom in what they wear, this can also feel enslaving in a different way. Women have to think about their appearance, and there’s pressure to not look too shabby compared to other women. If I had the choice, I would actually prefer the male style of dressing, since it’s simpler and more practical.
The Burden of Work and Men Opting Out
In discussing men’s relationship with work, Vilar states:
“A man is always searching for someone or something to enslave him, for only as a slave does he feel secure – and, as a rule, his choice falls on a woman.”
This made me reflect on men’s relationship with work and how some of this still holds true today. However, my reaction to this is that there’s a growing trend of prime working-age men opting out of the workforce. This phenomenon seems to be a pushback against this idea of being enslaved by work. Statistics show that a significant number of men are choosing not to participate in traditional employment, which may signal a shift in the dynamics that Vilar describes.