Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses the theoretical and conceptual developments in the field of critical studies on men and masculinities. It then focuses on how central concepts such as hegemonic masculinity, homosociality, heteronormativity and marginalization can be developed, as well as adapted, to different countries and contexts. The book considers how marginalization is manifest at a generational level. It explores how gender norms related to marginalized masculinity are constructed in the daily practice of early childhood education. The book draws on ethnographic fieldwork from Swedish preschool and preschool class settings. It also discusses how the profession of social work tries to manage marginalization amongst boys and men. The book also explores how mundane processes of discursive marginalization are constructed in relation to socio-emotional skills amongst male Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) in Denmark.