This engaging and accessibly-written textbook has a unique framework to study men and their masculinities in Western society. Truly interdisciplinary, it introduces the student reader to the theories, research, and debates about men within gender politics. This textbook is perhaps unique for masculinity studies because it stimulates student learning by not only examining classical men's studies research that focuses on men's harms and men's advantages, but it provides an investigation of men's good, and men's disadvantages. It is well-balanced, provocative, research-informed, and sure to keep the student reading.
- Mark McCormack, Professor of Sociology, Roehampton University, UK
This is a mandatory textbook, offering a comprehensive view on issues relevant to understanding masculinity, at a time when they are frequently misrepresented or swept under the rug. It bravely goes beyond the purely social constructionist view that dominates any discussion of gender today.
- Debra W. Soh, PhD, sex columnist for Playboy.com and The Globe and Mail
At this moment in history, much of the world is experiencing a gender revolution. How we define ourselves, our attractions, our relationships ... so little of it fits within the neat and tidy gendered boxes of the past. To help make sense of this rapidly changing world, Anderson and Magrath have given us Men and Masculinities. This outstanding textbook brings together a wide range of sociological, psychological, and biological scholarship about men and their changing roles. Bravely, the authors do not shy away from trying to entertain and synthesize sometimes conflicting perspectives. In doing so, the textbook accomplishes what F. Scott Fitzgerald thought only the highly intelligent could do, hold opposing ideas in mind while maintaining a coherent narrative. This textbook is even-handed in its approach, research-based in its execution, and best of all it is an excellent read. I encourage you to read it.
- David Schmitt, Professor of Psychology, Brunel University, UK
