In recent years, there is considerable mention in both the news and entertainment media of masculinity in crisis. What are the main themes that have framed this debate in Ireland?
             I decided to choose this essay title because it seemed to me to be the most interesting one. Because I myself am a male, and that I wasn't aware I was in the middle of a crisis, I figured I would do some research to find out what this crisis is. Even judging by the number of books in libraries on the matter, it is clear that this subject has captured the minds and imaginations of todays philosophers and sociologists.
             One of the main factors in the 'masculinity crisis' is the fact that men are no longer needed for reproduction. This came about with the introduction of 'in vitro fertilisation'. This procedure enables women who have difficulty conceiving to do so. A number of eggs are removed from the woman's ovary after she has undergone two weeks of preparation which involves hormonal therapy. Male sperm is then placed with the eggs when they are ready. The fertilised eggs develop and when it is implanted the pregnancy begins. Man's own technology has effectively eliminated him from the reproductive process, if needs be. However, the woman's involvement in reproduction is still crucial. Although the male's role in reproduction was never huge, having nothing to do with the nine months of pregnancy, labour or delivery, now it has declined even further with the male no longer having to even be there.
             Fatherhood can also be excluded from the equation. This can be done using a procedure known as AID, or artificial insemination by donor. The procedure was introduced to help couples who wished to have children, but who could not because of the male being sterile or because of the incompatibility of the couples blood types. It also could help couples, in which one partner might have a hereditary disease, who wish...