Redeeming masculinities' mythopoetics : changing the profeminist outlook on myth and heroism

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the uneasy relationship between profeminist and mythopoetic theories. It aims to redeem the works of Jung and Campbell in the eyes of profeminist and demonstrate that myth and the concept of heroism have a place within the field of men and masculinities. This dissertation begins with an examination of the history of masculinity. The second chapter deals with Jungian archetypes and the mythopoetic men's movement's methods, while the third chapter explores Joseph Campbell and the concept of heroism. The fourth chapter provides a synthesis and conclusion to the previous chapters. This dissertation concludes that profeminists were hasty in dismissing the thoughts of Jung and Campbell and that myths and the concept of heroism might be used to advance the profeminist agenda.