Peter F. Murphy's purpose in this book is not to shock but rather to educate, provoke discussion, and engender change. Looking at the sexual metaphors that are so pervasive in American culture—jock, tool, shooting blanks, gang bang, and others even more explicit—he argues that men are trapped and damaged by language that constantly intertwines sexuality and friendship with images of war, machinery, sports, and work. These metaphors men live by, Murphy contends, reinforce the view that relationships are tactical encounters that must be won, because the alternative is the loss of manhood. The macho language with which men cover their fear of weakness is a way of bonding with other men. The implicit or explicit attacks on women and gay men that underlie this language translate, in their most extreme forms, into actual violence. Murphy also believes, however, that awareness of these metaphorical power plays is the basis for behavioral change: "How we talk about ourselves as men can alter the way we live as men."

Peter F. Murphy's purpose in this book is not to shock but rather to educate, provoke discussion, and engender change. Looking at the sexual metaphors that are so pervasive in American culture—jock, tool, shooting blanks, gang bang, and others even more explicit—he argues that men are trapped and damaged by language that constantly intertwines sexuality and friendship with images of war, machinery, sports, and work. These metaphors men live by, Murphy contends, reinforce the view that relationships are tactical encounters that must be won, because the alternative is the loss of manhood. The macho language with which men cover their fear of weakness is a way of bonding with other men. The implicit or explicit attacks on women and gay men that underlie this language translate, in their most extreme forms, into actual violence. Murphy also believes, however, that awareness of these metaphorical power plays is the basis for behavioral change: "How we talk about ourselves as men can alter the way we live as men."

Wives of Steel is based on more than eighty formal interviews conducted over a fifteen-year period with women and some men, both white and black, all of whom were part of Sparrows Point as workers, spouses, or longtime residents of the local communities. Through the stories they tell, we see how a male-dominated industry has influenced personal, family, and social experiences over several generations. We also see the distinct differences and surprising similarities among the lives of black and white women, which often reflect the complicated relationships among black and white steelworkers in the plant.

Among the many important tools feminist legal theorists have given scholars is that of anti-essentialism: all women are not created equal, and privilege varies greatly by circumstances,particularly that of race and class. Yet at the same time, feminist legal theory tends to view men through an essentialist lens, in which men are created equal. The study of masculinities, inspired by feminist theory to explore the construction of manhood and masculinity, questions the real circumstances of men, not in order to deny men’s privilege but to explore in particular how privilege is constructed, and what price is paid for it. In this groundbreaking work, feminist legal theorist Nancy E. Dowd exhorts readers to apply the anti-essentialist model—so dominant in feminist jurisprudence—to the study of masculinities. She demonstrates how men’s treatment by the law and society in general varies by race, economic position, sexuality, and other factors. She applies these insights to both boys and men, examining how masculinities analysis exposes both privilege and subordination. She examines men’s experience of fatherhood and sexual abuse, and boys’ experience in the contexts of education and juvenile justice. Ultimately, Dowd calls for a more inclusive feminist theory, which, by acknowledging the study of masculinities, can broaden our understanding of privilege and subordination.

This book provides an exploratory investigation into the world of atypical sexual variations and interactions, in particular, the intersections of homosexuality and ethnicity, sexual addiction and codependency, sex work and cabaret patronage, and Cybersex addiction. It deals primarily with the intrapersonal, interpersonal, historical, social, and cultural manifestations of such atypical interactions and their social construction as atypical behaviors. This book is primarily intended for graduate, and upper level undergraduate, students in psychology, sociology, family studies, and social sciences. Upon reading the book, readers will come to an understanding of how homosexuality, codependency, sex work, and Cybersex (Internet pornography) come to affect our emotional, psychological, sexual, and relational well being. This book is unique in the sense that it provides constextually rich information into such neglected and taboo topics by utilizing unique ethnographic and autoethnographic methodological means.

Listed in Today's Books, Book Register as a "!!!Must Read" title. For the first time, experts in the areas of psychology, masculinities, social psychology, personal relationships, communication, gender studies, and clinical psychology offer their collective views on the interpersonal relationships of men. From relationships men have with their wives to relationships men have with their brothers and friends, this dynamic presentation offers a unique perspective and explores diverse points of life with a focus on middle to old age. Engaging commentary provides useful overviews of traditional and current topics including: The Dilemma of Masculinity in Culture The Married Man's Vulnerability at Midlife Masculinity and Men's Romantic and Sexual Relationships Men's Friendships The Fathers' Involvement With Adult Children Closeness and Affection in Father-Son Relationships Gender Differences in Negative Social Exchanges Men's Relationships An excellent reference for clinical and counseling psychologists, gerontologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, as well as students.

This Reader provides an international mixture of the best classic foundational pieces and recent key works that investigate masculinity from a feminist perspective. The chapters examine a wide range of topics including gay liberation, the men's movement, black and working-class masculinities, homophobia and the Internet.