Introduction

The Men’s Work Movement: Overview & Evolution

The men’s work movement is a contemporary movement aimed at helping men explore, heal, and express their emotional and psychological lives, particularly in relation to the social constructs of masculinity. It focuses on deconstructing the narratives most men have faced that encourage a severing of the emotional body.

Robert Bly in his groundbreaking book Iron John highlights a central issue of the modern man is that he has lost any sense of the “wild man” that lives within. Modern culture with its narratives and social programming have created generations of men who are lost. Out of touch with their bodies, nature, purpose and emotions.

Please note: Throughout this page and in many other places, the idea of “shadow work” is mentioned. Before diving in, here is a very brief overview of what shadow work is:

Shadow work, in the context of Jungian philosophy, refers to the process of integrating the unconscious aspects of the self—the "shadow." This includes qualities, emotions, and impulses that are repressed or ignored, often because they conflict with societal expectations or personal identity. In men's work, shadow work is crucial for understanding suppressed emotions like anger, vulnerability, and fear, as well as untapped potential. By confronting and integrating these aspects, men can achieve greater authenticity, emotional depth, and balance, leading to healthier relationships with themselves and others.

  • The roots of the men’s work movement are deeply connected to the second-wave feminist movement of the 1960s and 1970s, which challenged traditional gender roles and led to a reevaluation of what it means to be a man. As women fought for equality and challenged patriarchal structures, many men began to confront their own roles in perpetuating these systems, leading to a growing desire for self-exploration and emotional freedom.

    The men’s liberation movement emerged in the 1970s. Early influences came from psychology, especially Jungian psychology, as well as various spiritual and philosophical teachings. Men began to seek more meaningful connections with themselves, their emotions, and one another. The men's liberation movement sought to help men break free from limiting roles and redefine masculinity from a place of personal integrity and authenticity.

  • One of the primary tools that emerged out of this movement was the concept of men’s circles. These circles provide a safe, structured space where men can meet regularly to express their emotions, share experiences, and offer support to one another. The creation of these groups was motivated by the recognition that men were severely lacking spaces to express vulnerability or to develop the emotional literacy that’s needed to navigate the complexities of life.

    The men's circle format draws from a range of influences:

    • Indigenous traditions, where men and women have long come together in communal rituals for healing, growth, and initiation.

    • Jungian psychology, which emphasizes the need for men to explore the unconscious mind, including their “shadow”, the repressed or denied parts of themselves has had a tremendous impact on the movement. Many of the most notable authors and leaders, as well as the framework of these spaces have been informed by Jungian psychology.

    • Group therapy and peer support models, which stress the importance of vulnerability, accountability, and shared experience in emotional healing.


    Men’s circles often revolve around themes of brotherhood, accountability, growth, emotional healing, and the exploration of archetypes (be sure to check out the page on archetypes). They serve as a powerful counterpoint to the isolation many men feel in their day-to-day lives, offering a space for connection, support, and mutual learning.

  • A handful of leaders have been instrumental in shaping the men’s work movement over the last few decades. These individuals have written influential books, founded organizations, and facilitated workshops and retreats that have catalyzed this movement into a global phenomenon.

    It is important to note that these are just a few of the men, please be sure to check out the Men of the Movement page for more figures from across the movement and decades.

    Robert Bly

    Key Contribution: Bly’s book, Iron John: A Book About Men (1990), is often considered the catalyst for the modern men’s movement. In it, Bly explores the myth of Iron John and uses it as a metaphor for the journey of masculine initiation. The book helped men understand the need to reconnect with their deeper, primal selves and to embark on a process of emotional and spiritual maturity.

    Legacy: Bly emphasized the need for men to engage with their shadow selves (the hidden, repressed parts of their psyche) and embrace a more emotionally connected, embodied version of masculinity. His work paved the way for the establishment of men's groups and the rise of men’s circles.

    Michael Mead

    Key Contribution: Michael Mead is a renowned mythologist, storyteller, and one of the most influential figures in the men’s work movement. His teachings draw heavily from myth, folklore, and indigenous traditions. Mead is known for his emphasis on rite of passage and the importance of men’s initiation.

    Legacy: Through his books, talks, and work with organizations like The Mosaic Multicultural Foundation, Mead has helped men understand the importance of embracing their life journey as an initiation process. His work focuses on men’s personal transformation, the integration of their shadows, and the exploration of their archetypal energies.

    Robert Moore & Douglas Gillette

    Key Contribution: Moore and Gillette co-authored King, Warrior, Magician, Lover (1990), a foundational text that outlines four key archetypes of masculine energy: King, Warrior, Magician, and Lover. Their work focuses on the psychological development of men and how they can embody these archetypes in a balanced, mature way.

    Legacy: Moore and Gillette’s work has been hugely influential in shaping how modern men understand their inner power, leadership, and emotional maturity. Their archetypal framework has been used in countless men's groups and workshops as a tool for self-awareness and growth.

    David Deida

    Key Contribution: Deida is the author of The Way of the Superior Man (1997), which blends spiritual teachings, psychological insights, and relationship advice to help men understand their purpose, their relationships with women, and how to live in alignment with their deeper masculine essence.

    Legacy: Deida's work emphasizes the integration of the spiritual and sexual aspects of masculinity and the importance of purpose-driven living. His teachings have become a cornerstone for men seeking to explore their divine masculinity in both personal and relationship contexts.

    Bill Kauth & Bob Bly

    Key Contribution: Both Kauth and Bly were involved in the creation of The ManKind Project, an organization that offers structured men’s circles, workshops, and training programs for men around the world. The ManKind Project is one of the most recognized organizations in the men’s work movement and has impacted thousands of men.

    Legacy: The ManKind Project focuses on helping men break free from limiting societal norms and step into authentic, purpose-driven lives. The organization is rooted in deep self-exploration, accountability, and transformation, and it continues to operate globally, offering weekend intensives and ongoing men's groups.

  • The men’s work movement has grown and evolved significantly over the last several decades. What began as a small grassroots effort in the 1970s and 1980s has blossomed into a global movement with numerous organizations, books, and resources available to men seeking personal growth and transformation.

    • From Retreats to Ongoing Circles: While men’s weekend retreats and intensive workshops (such as those run by The ManKind Project, The New Warriors program and Sacred Sons) have remained a central feature of the men’s work movement, there has been a strong shift toward creating ongoing men’s circles and communities of men dedicated to the work). These circles offer men a consistent and supportive environment for regular check-ins, personal growth, and emotional exploration.

    • Increased Focus on Emotional Intelligence: One of the key shifts in the modern men's work movement is the increasing emphasis on emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and mental health. Men are increasingly encouraged to explore their feelings and express vulnerability in a safe, non-judgmental space. The movement now focuses less on strength and toughness and more on balance, self-awareness, and healthy emotional expression.

    • Integration of Diversity: As the men’s work movement has evolved, there has been growing recognition of the need to embrace a more diverse and inclusive model. Efforts are being made to welcome men from a variety of backgrounds, including men of different races, sexual orientations, and cultural contexts. This diversity has helped shape more holistic understandings of masculinity and broadened the movement’s impact.

    • Online Communities and Digital Circles: With the rise of digital platforms, there has been a significant shift toward virtual men’s groups and online communities. These digital spaces allow men from around the world to connect, share, and support one another without geographic limitations. This shift has made men’s work more accessible than ever, though it also comes with challenges in terms of creating authentic in-person connections.

  • The men's work movement, through its focus on emotional healing, personal growth, and community support, has had a profound impact on how men relate to themselves and others. The evolution of men’s circles has been central to this movement, providing men with a safe and structured space to confront their challenges, explore their emotional depths, and develop deeper connections with themselves and their brothers.

    While the movement continues to evolve, it remains focused on helping men step into their fullest, most authentic selves, breaking free from the constraints of traditional masculinity and building a more emotionally grounded, empowered, and connected pathway forward.