Chivalry: A Gynocentric Tradition

The importance of chivalry is taught to little girls and boys from the start, outlining the rules of male obligation that will guide sexual relations throughout their lifetimes; i.e., males are here to protect and provide for women.

The victories of legendary heroes whose deeds are rounded with applause and happily-ever-afters appears to seal the fate of chivalry as the necessary path of every man.

Those few who do pause to question chivalry's values however (its rote expectation of male sacrifice, possibility of danger or injury, impacts on mental health, potential for exploitation and abuse, or the question of valid compensations for ongoing sacrifices) may conclude that it serves as a poor life map, or worse that it amounts to a malignant and toxic form of masculinity.

This book examines the realities of chivalry beyond the usual platitudes to see what's at stake for men. The essays, written by men's advocates Peter Wright and Paul Elam, survey the roots of the chivalric tradition and examine real life examples of chivalry in action.

Chapters include:

1. The Birth Of Chivalric Love
2. A Bastardized Chivalry
3. What Ever Happened To Chivalry?
4. Sporting Tournaments: ‘It Will Make A Man Out Of You’
5. Intervening for women
6. Chivalry: A Learned Deathwish
7. Death By Chivalry: Portland Edition
8. Aggrieved Entitlement: Women’s Reaction to Temporary Loss Of Chivalry
9. Can A Woman Be Chivalrous?