Presenting a survey of the social, cultural and theoretical issues surrounding 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. It is a useful reading for students of gender, culture and sociology.

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. Author Edwards well known for his work on representations of masculinities, here 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; and 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.

Introduction: Cultures of Masculinity 1
Chapter One: Crisis, What Crisis? Sex Roles Revisited
Chapter Two: Femenism -- Men, Masculinity and Feminism
Chapter Three: Violence and Violation -- Men, Masculinity and Power
Chapter Four: In Black And White -- Race, Ethnicity and Masculinity
Chapter Five: Identity and Desire -- Gay Male Sexuality and Masculinity
Chapter Six: What Are You Looking At? Masculinity, Performativity And
Fashion
Chapter Seven: The Spectacle of the Male -- Masculinity and the Cinema
Chapter Eight: Auto-mechanics -- Masculinity, Reflexivity and the Body
Conclusion: The Social and Cultural Theory of Men and Masculinities