Masculinities in Theory: An Introduction

The new edition of the essential textbook on masculinity and representations of masculinity in the context of gender and cultural studies

Popular dialogues on gender and sexuality have evolved rapidly in recent decades, and students are finding new and exciting opportunities to examine gender and sexuality from critical perspectives. Masculinities in Theory: An Introduction, Second Edition synthesizes existing approaches to the study of masculinity and presents new theoretical models that enable a deeper and more nuanced investigation of the diverse forms of masculine identity. In this text, students are invited to investigate the constructs of masculinity they encounter in their own lives, offering a way for students to parse the varied and conflicting views on masculinity they may encounter in their communities, in the media, and in history.

Now in its second edition, Masculinities in Theory has been fully updated to bring this overview of masculinity studies up to date with modern views and contemporary contexts. The text shines a light on new cases for examination drawn from popular culture and current events, including the masculinities of Trump and Putin, Indigenous masculinities, and the influence of the Black Lives Matter movement on concepts of masculinity. An entirely new chapter on trans masculinities is complemented by a thoroughly revised chapter on the experience of affective masculinities. This valuable work:

• Covers key theories applicable to gender studies in interdisciplinary humanities and social science programs
• Demonstrates the complex nature of masculinity from cultural and theoretical perspectives
• Examines how the work of Butler, Derrida, Foucault, and other theorists can be used to interpret and analyze masculinity
• Discusses feminist, queer, transgender, post-colonial, and ethnic studies in relation to masculinity

Offering a clear, concise, and comprehensive introduction to the field, Masculinities in Theory, Second Edition is the ideal textbook for courses on masculinity, as well as general courses in gender studies, sexuality studies, and cultural studies. It is also an excellent resource for interdisciplinary courses in literature, art history, film, communications, linguistics, sociology, anthropology, psychology, history, and philosophy programs.

Todd W. Reeser is Professor of French and Chair of the Department of French and Italian at the University of Pittsburgh, USA, where he also holds a secondary appointment in the Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies Program. Much of his work has explored concepts of gender, sexuality, and identity, with a particular focus on the Renaissance and on cinema. His other books include Moderating Masculinity in Early Modern Culture, Setting Plato Straight: Translating Ancient Sexuality in the Renaissance, and Queer Cinema in Contemporary France.