Manhood in America: A Cultural History

Synopsis

For more than three decades, the women's movement and its scholars have exhaustively studied women's complex history, roles, and struggles. In Manhood in America, Third Edition, author Michael Kimmel argues that it is time for men to rediscover their own evolution. Drawing on a myriad of sources,he demonstrates that American men have been eternally frustrated by their efforts to keep up with constantly changing standards. Kimmel contends that men must follow the lead of the women's movement; it is only by mining their past for its best qualities and worst excesses that men will free themselves from the constraints of the masculine ideal.

The third edition discusses such timely topics as post-9/11 politics, self-made masculinities (including those of Internet entrepreneurs), presidential campaigns, and gender politics. It also covers contemporary debates about fatherlessness, the biology of male aggression, and pop psychologists like John Gray and Dr. Laura. Outlining the various ways in which manhood has been constructed and portrayed in America, this engaging history is ideal as a main text for courses on masculinity or as a supplementary text for courses in gender studies and cultural history.

New to this Edition

*The most up-to-date research and writing in the field, including coverage of current events such as the 2008 election of Barack Obama
* Greater incorporation of ethnically diverse masculinity ideals
* Increased coverage of masculinity and gay culture

In this authoritative and entertaining history of men in America, Kimmel demonstrates that manliness was originally an internal value, but by the 1890's, it had changed to masculinity, something that had to be constantly proven. Long after the temporary fancies of men's movements have passed, this definitive history will provoke, entertain and inform men and women alike. Photos.