Introduction

This introductory chapter sets the scene by exploring how we understand the ‘conundrum of masculinity’. It explores the notion of ‘crisis of masculinity’ and suggests that social and cultural changes are creating new and alternative ways of understanding men. More specifically it sets out the book’s strategy to unpack the paradoxes that surrounding men and masculinity. Alongside this, the chapter identifies the main aims of the book and provides a synopsis of the following chapters.