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, 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.
A fantastic survey of masculinity studies and literature review from various disciplines. Edwards doesn't appreciate the lens of media and cultural studies, and places far more attention on appearance and performance than contextualizing masculine practices within sociopolitical conditions. Being written in 2005, it does not cover the wide array of developments in new media that have occurred since, such as men's rights activists, believers in the crisis, or gender defiance. Nevertheless, a great intro text to summize masculinity scholarship from ~1970 to 2005.