Warren Farrell was born June 26, 1943, and is an American author known for his extensive work on gender issues. He has written several books that span across various fields including history, law, sociology, politics ("The Myth of Male Power"), couples communication ("Women Can't Hear What Men Don't Say"), economic and career issues ("Why Men Earn More"), and child psychology and child custody ("Father and Child Reunion"). Farrell's works also encompass teenage to adult psychology and socialization ("Why Men Are the Way They Are" and "The Liberated Man"). His publications have been influential in the realm of men and women's studies, advocating for a gender transition movement since the early 90s.
Farrell's early writings highlighted the deepening misunderstandings about men which he believed were harmful to the survival of families and love. This led to his seminal work, "The Myth of Male Power," where he outlined his thesis that societal progress required an evolution from traditional gender roles to more flexible and equitable roles, fostering what he termed a "gender transition movement." In challenging traditional views of power, Farrell argued that historical gender roles did not equate to power but were instead forms of societal obligation, with men often being socialized to be "the disposable sex" in both war and work environments.
His views on power were extended in "Why Men Earn More," where he contended that earning money was a form of power, but also a source of obligation and sacrifice for many men. Farrell has continuously explored the dynamics of male powerlessness and its cultural implications, proposing that both sexes suffer from these traditional role expectations. His work has sparked significant debate, particularly "The Myth of Male Power," which has been both praised and critiqued, especially by academic feminists. This book is considered a classic in the field of men's studies.
In addition to his writing, Farrell has been active in public speaking and conducting workshops on various topics including business communications, emotional intelligence, family management, and women in business. He has appeared on over 1000 TV shows, discussing his views with high-profile journalists like Oprah, Barbara Walters, and Larry King. His most recent book, "The Boy Crisis," was a finalist for the Foreword Indies award, highlighting his ongoing commitment to addressing complex gender issues.
Farrell's influence extends beyond his books as he has provided consulting services and acted as an expert witness on gender pay equity issues for notable companies such as AT&T, IBM, and Toyota, as well as governmental clients including NASA and the US Department of Energy. He conducts nationwide workshops on couples’ communication and domestic violence prevention and engages in innovative self-debates on male-female issues using dual podiums to represent both feminist and masculist perspectives.
Currently residing in Carlsbad, California, with his wife and two daughters, Farrell continues to contribute to discussions on men and masculinity, sexuality, law, and psychology at various conferences and through his published work, which is available in over 50 countries and in 19 languages. His efforts have earned him recognition as a top "Thought Leader" by the Financial Times and acknowledgment from historical figures such as President Johnson, who in 1965 recognized him as one of the nation’s outstanding young educators.
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