Man Enough: Embodying Masculinities

Front Cover
SAGE, Sep 15, 1997 - Social Science - 256 pages
In this book, one of the leading contributors to the growing debate about men, masculinities and sexual politics, Victor J Seidler, criticizes the Enlightenment coupling of white, heterosexual masculinity with reason'. He argues that in modern society masculinity can never be taken for granted. Men must always prove that they are man enough' to cope in the correct' way with the problems and challenges of everyday life. Seidler believes that men have to break this chain of obligations to the Enlightenment notion of masculinity.

Through engaging with men's diverse relationships with their bodies, sexualities, emotional lives, feelings and desires, Seidler explores ways of affirming masculinities while critically engaging with the power that men have in the wider society. The book is also a contribution to antisexist politics. Seidler is interested in taking on those forms of men's politics which find it difficult to engage with men's power and society and also those who take it for granted that male power is normal and natural. He seeks to recognize both the power that white, heterosexual masculinities have in shaping forms of philosophy and social theory while at the same time recognizing that masculinity cannot be simply defined as a relationship of power.

 

Contents

Hopes Dreams and Uncertainties
1
Identities
15
Authorities
32
Aspects of Self
41
Myths of Manhood
49
Wounds
60
Initiations
79
Transitions
103
Language
135
Emotions and Feelings
153
Relationships
165
Sexualities
184
Responsibilities
197
Spiritual Groundings
209
References
224
Index
232

Experience
119

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