On the other hand, in the context of Eisler’s well-known research calling attention to the “partnership” vs. the “dominator” model in our culture and others, I find her work of the utmost importance. (“Chalice and the Blade“, “Sacred Pleasure“, “The Power of Partnership,” “Real Wealth of Nations“, etc.).

I read her essay more as a challenge to look inward and change our own lives, rather than as an injunction to look outward and remodel other societies, no matter how generous and commendable that effort might be.

I find in her work a consoling affirmation for the kind of partnership my wife and I have been nourishing for the last forty-five years. When our kids were little I took care of them full-time for a year while working as a teacher in a daycare center. Beginning with our childrearing years and for the rest of our married life, we have shared equally in breadwinning, cooking and childcare, and always tried to model this equality for our children in the most mundane and concrete ways.

My own view is that feminism for men is not a matter of noblesse oblige (sacrifice with no quid pro quo), but rather a serious path to a fuller version of what it means to be human, for both sexes.

I’ve found tremendous support in Eisler’s writing for this view, which has been the foundation for most of our married life.

But, as I say, this comes from an inward, not an outward, interpretation of her challenge.

In that sense, and that sense only, I disagree with you wholeheartedly about the value of her work.

I didn’t see one realistic idea in this whole piece. I’m not sure if others agree with me but I found it counter effective because change has to have a path and it gives no path. It is confusing. On the other hand the Little World Community Organization in Pakistan is deeply changing cultural values about women. We do it by giving them opportunities to make contributions everyone values. The women’s movement in the USA could do similar things.The process is first to listen and find out what the needs are and then offer to assist as required for success. This is more detail below about what we did in Pakistan.

Little World Community Organization began by listening to the problems and needs of a small village in Pakistan, and then offering to help by buying books and paying the rent for a school. The students would pay the teachers. Village women took up the challenge and became the first students. They went home and taught their husbands and children what they studied in school. In time they were able to sell embroideries they learned to make and use the money to open more schools for others who would do the same. Today there are over 3000 women in 25 schools with a goal to have 10,000 women in over 60 schools by the end of this year. Together, they help others, try new ideas, and never give up. They’ve become the hope of their villages. While living in some of the harshest conditions imaginable, they plan to change the world with education.

Join them: find a store to host a card purchase display, arrange for an inspiring slide presentation or help with their World Friendship Quilt.