In public debate the timely topics of sexism and gender discrimination are often addressed from a female standpoint. Since the history of women in the West is also a history of civil, political and social discrimination, this perspective is legitimate, but it is also increasingly incomplete. With this book the author provides an original and complementary view, highlighting how living in a patriarchal and sexist society can be disadvantageous and harmful for men as well, although in a different way than for women. Being a tough guy, according to the canons of traditional masculinity, means having to foster an image and an identity that may do more harm than good to emotional wellbeing, health behaviour and lifestyle.

Maria Giuseppina Pacilli teaches Social Psychology at the University of Perugia.