Contemporary Perspectives on Masculinity: Men, Women, and Politics in Modern Society, Second Edition

By Kenneth Clatterbaugh

Book Overview

What is social reality for men in modern society? What maintains or explains this social reality? What condition might we imagine that would be better for men? How might we achieve this better condition? These are the questions Kenneth Clatterbaugh brings to seven different visions of men in modern society considered in this newly updated edition. In clear and insightful language, Clatterbaugh surveys not just conservative, liberal, and radical views of masculinity, but also the alternatives offered by the men's rights movement, spiritual growth advocates, and black and gay rights activists. Each of these is explored both as a theoretical perspective and as a social movement, and each offers distinctive responses to the questions posed.The first edition of this book was the first to survey the range of responses to feminism that men have made as well as the first to put political theory at the center of men's awareness of their own masculinity. This new edition adds chapters on recent highly-publicized movements such at the Promise Keepers, Million Man March, and the evolution of gay men's rights. Clatterbaugh treats all views with fairness and timeliness as he develops and defends a vision of men and masculinity consistent with feminist ideals and a just society.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0813327016
• ISBN13: 9780813327013
• Release Date: October 1996
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 252 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

A must-have in the field

Clatterbaugh's typology of the men's movement remains the best out there as of 2006. While it needs updating and revision in certain areas, it delineates the movements with a great deal of precision: conservative, profeminist, men's rights, mythopoetic, socialist, gay, African American, and evangelical. By running each of these respective categories through a philosophical analysis, Clatterbaugh reveals the inner mechanics of the movements. Clatterbaugh admits his allegiance to the profeminist position. This certainly colors his perception of competing movements, but he demonstrates concerted efforts to "get inside the skin" of even his opponents. Every social scientist and men's studies class should have this resource near by.