ABSTRACT
This chapter examines social-psychological research on men’s friendships in order to determine the nature and extent of intimacy in close male relationships. It looks at several alternative explanations for the kind of intimacy — or lack of intimacy — that generally characterizes male relationships. The chapter suggests some reasons why male relationships may be forced to take on new forms, and how these changes may be achieved. Our culture has traditionally viewed male friendship as embodying the ideals of comradeship and brotherhood. Older retired males usually report slightly fewer friends than older women, as males lose access to their work-related contacts, while women retain their social networks with age. Anecdotal observations and research findings demonstrate that men and women, on the whole, define friendship in different ways. Women seem to look for intimate confidantes, while men seek partners for adventure. A simpler way of assessing the quality of male intimacy is to ask men directly about their experience of friendship.
