1st Edition

Cultures of Masculinity

By Tim Edwards Copyright 2006
    196 Pages
    by Routledge

    192 Pages
    by Routledge

    Presenting a survey of the social, cultural and theoretical issues which surround and inform our understanding of masculinity, this book explores the interface between traditional sociological approaches and the work covered by more post-structural, media-driven or cultural perspectives.

    Edwards well known for his work on representations of masculinities, uses grounded examples of the job market and domestic violence to set his theoretical discussion. He argues that there is a need for more dialogue on men and masculinities between disciplines, and considers the validity of the concerns and anxieties which surround masculinity in the contemporary world through a range of key topics, including:

    • the new man, the new lad and ‘men’s movements’
    • men, masculinity and violence
    • marginalized masculinities: black masculinity and gay male sexuality
    • queer theory, performativity and fashion
    • cinema, representation and the body.

    One of the most comprehensive and progressive studies of modern masculinity available, this book will be essential reading for students of gender, culture and sociology.

    1. 'Crisis, What Crisis?' Sex Roles Revisited  2. Feminism: Men and Feminism  3. Violence and Violation: Masculinity, Sex and Power  4. On the Other Side of the Mirror I: Masculinity and Homosexuality  5. On the Other Side of the Mirror II: Masculinity, Race and Ethnicity  6. 'I Feel a Little Queer': Masculinity and Performativity  7. The Spectacle of the Male: Masculinity at the Cinema  8. Automechanics: Masculinity, Methodology and Postmodernity

    Biography

    Tim Edwards is a lecturer in the Department of Sociology at the University of Leicester. His primary research interests include gender studies, and particularly analyses of masculinity, sexuality, fashion and consumer culture, the interface between social and cultural theory, and social divisions.

    Overall , Cultures of Masculinity is a comprehensive book, a great contribution giving important direction to the still emerging field of masculinities research. Kevin Walby, Carleton University.

     

    Cultures of Masculinity might prove useful for those who wish to enter the field of masculinity studies, and get aquainted with some of the main current debates and controversies in this young field. Eran Shor, SUNY at Stony Brook.

     

    Edwards has achieved a cogent and critically engaged overview of the diverse theoretical, therapeutic and political movements that make up the field. He also manages to anchor the abstraction that has characterised some of this work in experience and concrete social circumstances - Matt Cook, University of London