ABSTRACT

Presenting a survey of the social, cultural and theoretical issues which surround and inform our understanding of masculinity, this book explores the interface between traditional sociological approaches and the work covered by more post-structural, media-driven or cultural perspectives.

Edwards well known for his work on representations of masculinities, uses grounded examples of the job market and domestic violence to set his theoretical discussion. He argues that there is a need for more dialogue on men and masculinities between disciplines, and considers the validity of the concerns and anxieties which surround masculinity in the contemporary world through a range of key topics, including:

  • the new man, the new lad and ‘men’s movements’
  • men, masculinity and violence
  • marginalized masculinities: black masculinity and gay male sexuality
  • queer theory, performativity and fashion
  • cinema, representation and the body.

One of the most comprehensive and progressive studies of modern masculinity available, this book will be essential reading for students of gender, culture and sociology.

chapter 1|5 pages

Introduction

Cultures of masculinity

chapter 1|16 pages

‘Crisis, what crisis?’

Sex roles revisited

chapter 2|17 pages

Femenism

Men, masculinity and feminism

chapter 3|18 pages

Violence and violation

Men, masculinity and power

chapter 4|13 pages

4In black and white

Race, ethnicity and masculinity

chapter 5|17 pages

Identity and desire

Gay male sexuality and

chapter 6|15 pages

What are you looking at?

Masculinity, performativity and fashion

chapter 7|21 pages

The spectacle of the male

Masculinity and the cinema

chapter 8|19 pages

Auto-mechanics

Masculinity, reflexivity and the body

chapter |2 pages

Conclusion

The social and cultural theory of men and masculinities