American Manhood: Transformations In Masculinity From The Revolution To The Modern Era

by E. Anthony Rotundo

In the first comprehensive history of American manhood, E. Anthony Rotundo sweeps away the groundless assumptions and myths that inform the current fascination with men's lives. Opposing the views of men's movement leaders and best-selling authors who maintain that manliness is eternal and unchanging, Rotundo stresses that our concept of manhood is man-made and that, like any human invention, it has a history. American Manhood is a fascinating account of how our understanding of what it means to be a man has changed over time.

Genres: History, Gender, Nonfiction, United States, Gender and Sexuality, Gender Studies, American History

396 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Josh G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an informative, insightful book. Rotundo covers the waterfront of cultural definitions for manhood in America from its inception to the early 20th century. Rotundos combination of breadth, analysis, and accessibility made this as enjoyable as it was educational.

Even though I don’t agree with every assessment or valuation, I give this a high rating because of its educational value. Rotundo also does a great job keeping his personal assessments to a minimum and laying the evidence before the reader.

I initially bought this book to understand how male presence in the family was impacted and changed by the industrial revolution. I learned about this and much, much more. Specifically, I learned about the history of cultural stereotypes, social pressures, and the need for greater nuance and objectivity when providing cultural gender definitions and norms. Moreover, this book reinforces the consequences of defining gender expectations in a reactionary, self-serving way.

Overcorrections always leave someone in a ditch.

[V Massaglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a ton from this book. I had been looking for a book like this for quite some time - a book at looks at the progression of masculinity over time - especially when it comes to relationships. Mr. Rotundo does an excellent job in this well-researched text. I really like how he uses letters from the period and puts context to various topics ranging from boy/youth culture, marriage, sex, work, and identity - just to list a few topics. He also provides perspective regarding men's attitudes towards women over time. For example: "The key for men is not to abandon their individualism but to balance it with a renewed sense of connection; not to relinquish power to women but to share it in full and equal measure." Although we've made some progress, we have a long way to go (e.g. pay sexual violence, roles, respect, etc.).

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the subtitle defines the period of the study "from the Revolution to the Modern Era," this book examines the cultural construction of maleness among white middle class males during the nineteenth century. The 18th and 20th centuries are given sparing attention, and only in reference to the evolution of manliness in the 19th century. Rotundo examines the formation of manliness from boyhood through youth and adulthood (neglecting old age), with particular attention to sex and marriage relations. The 19th century man is characterized by his physical vigor, rationality, and individualistic independence, with changes primarily transforming reception of male "effeminacy." The book was enjoyable and easy to read, but limited in depth and scope. The print was also atrociously small.

[Jared Trueheart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very informative. Despite what it says in the intro it mostly focuses on the 1800s. That's fine because it was an interesting yet often overlooked period. It suffers a little bit from some "this-resulted-in-gender-inequality" stuff you see way too often but it is not overbearing.

[Barbee]

Need to finish this...