Men and Masculinities: Key Themes and New Directions

Men and Masculinities is one of the most comprehensive texts ever published on the sociology of masculinity. Wide-ranging and accessible, it considers all the key themes, concepts and writings informing this increasingly important area of study.

Starting with discussion of the nature/nurture debate, Freudian and Jungian perspectives, and first-wave writings on men and masculinity, Men and Masculinities explores the work of key feminist and profeminist theorists such as Bob Connell, Jeff Hearn, Michael Kimmel, Michael Messner, Peter Nardi and Lynne Segal. In charting trends and new directions in the critical study of men, the book highlights the growing influence of postmodern and poststructuralist perspectives, particularly those of Judith Butler, Gilles Deleuze, Michel Foucault and Jacques Lacan. Further unique featuresinclude a detailed critique of hegemonic masculinity; an elaboration of masculinity as discourse; and an introduction to the concept of the masculine subject.

In the course of its development over recent decades, the sociology of masculinity has expanded to cover most aspects of social and cultural enquiry. In response to this, Men and Masculinities broaches a diverse range of issues, including masculinity and materiality, masculinity in crisis, sexuality, male power, identity, the politics of masculinity, and the male role in management, relationships and families. It details key writings on masculinity while also signalling emerging areas of research into men at the beginning of the new millennium, such as age, leisure and gay male friendships. It will be an invaluable resource across a number of disciplines, including sociology, gender studies, cultural studies, psychology and anthropology.

Stephen M. Whitehead is Lecturer in Education at the University of Keele