Why people recommend it
Manhood in the Making by David D. Gilmore is an anthropological examination of the cultural mechanisms and societal rituals used across diverse global communities to define and construct masculinity. On the Modern Wisdom podcast episode titled Is Having a Boyfriend Cringe Now? published on November 6, 2025, guest Rob Henderson brought up the book during a discussion about modern gender roles and social expectations. Henderson explained that his own observations and ideas regarding contemporary male behavior were heavily inspired by the insights found within Gilmore's work. He used the anthropologist's cross-cultural research to illustrate the historical context of manhood rituals and how different societies historically molded young males into productive, accepted members of their communities. By referencing the study, Henderson provided listeners with a deeper sociological perspective on the pressures young men face and how cultural expectations surrounding gender have evolved over time across various civilizations. The book served as a foundational touchstone for the conversation, helping to ground modern debates about sex, dating, and cultural identity in established anthropological science and historical precedent regarding the transition from boyhood to manhood.
Who recommended it
- Rob Henderson Recommended
Rob Henderson — 1 mention
“And I think what what may be happening here and and these ideas were inspired by um this amazing book called Manhood in the Making by the anthropologist David Gilmore.”