Messages Men Hear: Constructing Masculinities / Edition 1

by Ian M. Harris

Overview

Why do men behave the way they do? The "science" of gender studies is less than 25 years old and it is only recently that scholars and popular authors interested in gender have started to examine the issues associated with masculinity.; This text is based on over 10 years research, and constructs a comprehensive theory of masculinity by exploring in great detail how men form their gender identities and how those identities influence their behaviour. The book examines the influence of 24 male messages, or gender norms - such as "be like your father", "faithful husband", "superman", and "nurturer" - that represent cultural expectations for masculinity in western societies. Drawing on a diverse sample of over 500 men from different classes, backgrounds, races and ethnic groups, the author describes how men learn these messages, how individual men respond to them, and how their influence changes over the course of a man's life.; This accessible text presents a general framework for masculinity and breaks new ground in understanding the construction of male gender identity.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780748402298
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	03/31/1995
Series:	Gender, Change, and Society Series
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Ian M. Harris

Table of Contents

Part I: Learning to be a Man; Cultural Messages; Message Sources; Becoming a Man. Part II: Acting Like a Man; Standard Bearers. Part III: Differences Between Men; Different Lenses; Message Therapy. Appendix: Methodology. Part Contents.

Editorial Reviews

Describes the results of a study of 560 American men in which participants were asked to rate the impact of 24 dominant male gender messages on their lives at the age of 18 and at their present age. Sections on learning to be a man, acting like a man, and differences between men include discussion and men's comments on how men form their gender identities, men's experiences with society's messages, and the wide variety of responses men have to dominant cultural norms. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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