Hawley advocates for masculinity, but why is it controversial?

Josh Hawley’s Vision for Restoring American Manhood

Introduction

Missouri Senator Josh Hawley has been criticized for promoting a “prejudicial” and “conspiratorial” vision of masculinity, but is there really anything wrong with his efforts to save men from self-destructive behaviors? In his new book, “Manhood: The Masculine Virtues America Needs,” Hawley advocates for a resurgent understanding of masculinity informed by biblical principles. Let’s take a closer look at his prescriptions for restoring American manhood.

Men in Crisis

Hawley’s observations regarding the masculinity crisis are not new or particularly controversial. Men’s earnings have fallen significantly since the 1970s and 1980s, and there has been a significant increase in the number of men living at home into their 20s and 30s. Boys earn a far greater share of the Ds and Fs distributed in primary and secondary school than girls, and they are twice as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. Men now account for only 40 percent of college students in America.

The Senator’s Prescriptions

In response to this worrisome crisis, Hawley advocates a resurgent understanding of masculinity informed by biblical principles. He identifies six roles he believes are central to how men must understand themselves if they are to find meaning and happiness in this world. These are the identities of husband, father, warrior, builder, priest, and king.

Husband and Father

Marriage is necessary to curb man’s lustful, self-indulgent tendencies, by orienting his affections toward another, someone to whom he makes a solemn vow to love, serve, and support. Within marriage, men further learn to be consistent, to be people “who can be counted upon.” Fatherhood serves a similar role, since it entails prioritizing our children over ourselves, and surrendering our time and energy to them. It also makes men humble, because it exposes our limits and shortcomings. And fatherhood focuses men’s minds on their legacy, which means they labor for the long-term.

Warrior and Builder

By “warrior,” Hawley does not necessarily suggest men must be physical fighters or competent with a long gun (though that certainly helps). Rather, it means that men willingly defend what is just and true. It also means encouraging, not discouraging, the natural, thumotic impulses of boys that arise from testosterone. That aggression simply needs to be properly directed to such things as physical labor and sports. But Hawley also has in mind fighting against the vices in our lives. “Choose an evil in your life and drive it back,” he exhorts his male readers. To be a “builder” is to be someone who rejects dependency and labors, not only for his own survival and welfare, but for his family, community, and nation.

Priest and King

To be a “priest” is to be a man who prays and worships, offering up his life to God rather than to himself or the materialistic gods of this world. “Worship is an acknowledgment that a man needs to be filled, that he needs something more than his own resources,” writes Hawley. Finally, to be a “king” is to exercise authority and aim for excellence. “Every man wants to reign,” by which Hawley does not mean lording over others, but possessing an expertise that engenders respect from others.

What’s Not to Like?

Given this vision for a restored American manhood, it’s hard to understand liberal complaints. Who doesn’t want men to settle down into married life and take their wedding vows seriously? Does anyone not want men to lovingly sacrifice for their children? Does anyone not want boys to have their testosterone-driven impulses oriented to healthy, productive activities, or for men to humbly identify and fight the vices in their lives? Apparently many people in America do, even if they’re unwilling (or unable) to admit it. But as a practical guide to help males become responsible, productive, purpose-driven members of society, Hawley’s book is worth considering.