Feminism has put the critical study of men and masculinities firmly on to the academic agenda. First published in 1992, Discovering Men explores key issues in this field of study, looking at the theoretical, practical, and political difficulties that arise when men begin to study themselves, and considering the deep assumptions that underlie this area of enquiry.
The author investigates the various strategies that may be adopted in exploring men and masculinities, drawing constantly on feminist critique of men’s theoretical and everyday practice. He recommends a critical re-reading of classic sociological texts to bring out the ‘hidden’ stories about masculinities that they tell, and re-examines well-documented areas within sociology, focusing on studies of men at work. He analyses situations where masculinity may be problematic, such as male unemployment, shifts in the gender balance in the workplace, and, historically, the suffrage movement.
Discovering Men is one of the first books to focus on issues of methodology and epistemology and to explore the difficulties of men studying men in a patriarchal society. It will be beneficial for students and researchers of sociology, gender studies, women studies, social history, and research methodology.