Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book aims to study changes within masculine identity and subjectivity and to discuss the constructions of masculinities that result from the relationship and understanding men develop toward their own and other men's bodies, sexualities and masculine dis/abilities. "Studies of men and masculinities" is necessarily linked to the political struggle for a more equal society. The concept of masculinity is analyzed in a variety of ways - as forms of behavior, as specific ethics, codes and historical traits. Muscles are still closely linked to masculinity, but the masculine body has also become a floating signifier and is consequently also tied to femininity. Martti Lanti suggests that masculinity and the body do not always reject each other, not even in the ideal representations of masculinity.