Much writing on men in the field of gender studies tends to focus unduly, almost exclusively, on portraying men as villains and women as victims in a moral bi-polar paradigm. Re-Thinking Men reverses the proclivity which ignores not only the positive contributions of men to society, but also the male victims of life including the homeless, the incarcerated, the victims of homicide, suicide, accidents, war and the draft, and sexism, as well as those affected by the failures of the health, education, political, and justice systems. Proceeding from a radically different perspective in seeking a more positive, balanced, and inclusive view of men (and women), this book presents three contrasting paradigms of men as heroes, villains, and victims. Revised and updated, and presenting data and studies from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, it offers a comparative and revised perspective on gender that will be of interest to scholars across a range of social sciences.
List of Tables
Preface to the Second Edition
Introduction
1 Men and Masculinities
2 Men and Women
3 Heroes
4 Villains
5 Victims
6 Power
Bibliography
Index
Biography
Anthony Synnott is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Concordia University, Canada. He is the author of The Body Social: Symbolism, Self and Society, Shadows: Issues and Social Problems in Canada and The Power of Sex and the co-author of Aroma: The Cultural History of Smell.
Praise for the first edition:
Prize: A Choice Outstanding Academic Title for 2010
'Observing that the definitions and cultural depictions of men have become increasingly negative over the past 50 years, Synnott challenges the misandrist and unbalanced view of men so prevalent in popular culture and literature, gives voice to the large numbers of powerless men, and offers a more balanced perspective on gender and power relations…The result is a comprehensive, engaging, and important contribution of immense value to any student or scholar interested in the past, present, and future of masculinity and men's studies…Essential.'
- Choice
‘Overall, Synnott presents a much needed addition to the literature and scholarship on men and masculinity that offers those interested in Gender Studies a fresh, balanced, humanist perspective … Re-Thinking Men is a book that must be given consideration by anyone aiming to achieve gender equality and justice.’
– Danielle M. Soulliere, Canadian Journal of Sociology
