ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author focuses on the broader subject of rural masculinities, and then turns to the more specific body of scholarship that has considered agricultural masculinities. The author uses data from an extensive ethnographic study of male farmers in Oklahoma to identify the discourses through which men construct their identities as masculine farmers, and to explore the relationship between these constructions and increasing mental and physical health problems amongst this population. Drawing on a comprehensive range of data, the N. Charles and C. A. Davies conclude that place matters in terms of how men manage and women's level of involvement in management. The chapter also provides an overview of the literatures on rural masculinities namely: masculinities and farming technologies; masculinities and the identity of farmer; masculinities and sustainable agriculture; masculinities and the crisis in agriculture; masculinities, farming and sexualities; masculinities, age and farming; and masculinities and agricultural organizations.
