The Masculine Self

by Christopher T. Kilmartin

Significantly expanded, updated, and improved with 50% new material, this is a comprehensive review of scholarly research and theory in men’s studies. No other book can approach it in its coverage of the volume of men’s studies research, its provision of a theoretical context for understanding the research, and its boxed features--most of which highlight the human aspects of the subject matter. Organized in three parts, the book offers a view of masculinity from a wide variety of perspectives. The first two chapters provide an introduction to contemporary concepts of men and masculinity, as well as the scientific study of sex and gender. In the second section, these concepts are applied to the major schools of psychological psychobiology, social learning, humanism/existentialism, psychoanalysis, and socioculturalism. The last part of the book summarizes “men’s ” work, emotion, relationships, physical health, mental health, violence, and the changing definitions of what it means to be male in contemporary society.

Genres: Gender, Psychology, Nonfiction, Feminism, Academic, Gender Studies

408 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Cyndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive book detailing theories of masculinity from essentialism v. social constructionism, Freud, sociobiology, humanistic and existential. The book details how the behavior of men is socially constructed and if a man tries to deviate outside of the norms they are punished, often severely.Feminists argue that there should not be a study of men due to the patriarchal society we live in and the years of male dominance. Interesting that the groups do not work together to achieve freedom for all but still conflict.
Interesting chapters included men and violence, men and physical health, relationships with others and mental health. Opened up my eyes to a few topics and solidified others. Written as a textbook and cites tons of studies and scientists to back up conclusions.

[Mohammed Galal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is important for several reasons,among which is that it's a reference for every young man aspiring to know more about the "species"to which we belong.The author,to add,indicates some of the gender-based stereotypes,what society expects from men regardless of our individual differences.Men are expected to be task-oriented,they are supposed to hide their own fears and weaknesses..At the end of the day,men are human beings, with typical human follies...What is important is to overcome fear and worry, whether u r a male or a female..

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I really liked about this book is that it wasn’t just written for men, but for everyone who suffers under a patriarchal system that is oppressive for all peoples, whatever their gender, in different ways. The author even went as far as supplementing his points—where one might say he explained “how bad it is for men”—with the absolute fact that men have (now and traditionally) held positions of power in society, even when they don’t feel powerful. As a cis-women, I really appreciated this because it felt like he was acknowledging my struggle which allowed me to be receptive to his.

I, of course, also really liked the science. The text wasn’t oozing with new information for me (I think the book is a bit old) but it did make me think about the origin of masculinity in new ways. For example, since many fathers are absent in their son’s life, boys must fill in large gaps of information—on what it means to “be a man”—from other sources (movies, peers, etc) which are, very often, chalk full of toxic gender norms.

All in all, it was an enlightening and pleasant read. I think the information is important for all of us—men, women, and non-binary, alike—to understand and I think the way it was presented was essential to that understanding.

[Luna Rain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for my Psychology of Men class, which was like a Gender Studies class with a focus on masculinity.
This book has a really wholistic approach to understanding the internalized hate which fuels patriarchy. To deconstruct sexism we must start with helping men to express themselves and feel open in the world that was literally created for and by them. If men are not able to function in the world which they made, none of us, who were not considered, will survive either. I appreciated this books nuanced takes and multiple perspectives.
Not sure if this is a coffee table, bathroom, or bed time read of everyone- maybe better suited for a college class or for someone who specific interests. If you have the ability to read sections of this book I definitely recommend.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

(7/10) A pretty good primer for men's studies and how patriarchy can be damaging to men as well as women. Kilmartin does a good job highlighting the many ways in which our world is divided down gender lines: even things like postures or colours are considered "male" or "female". In a world where we like to think we've moved beyond sexism there's still a surprisingly extesnive system of segregation. My only problem with this book is it's format, which is half academic monograph and half introductory textbook. To Kilmartin's credit he never comes off as condescending (which for a textbook is impressive) but there is a lot of repetition and a lot of stating of the obvious. Still, if you're looking for an introduction to the subject you could do worse than The Masculien Self.

[Mohamed Galal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is important for several reasons,among which is that it's a reference for every young man aspiring to know more about the "species"to which we belong.The author,to add,indicates some of the gender-based stereotypes,what society expects from men regardless of our individual differences.Men are expected to be task-oriented,they are supposed to hide their own fears and weaknesses..At the end of the day,men are human beings, with typical human follies...What is important is to overcome fear and worry, whether u r a male or a female.

[Alex Norcross · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a big fan of the text-book style of this book with all of its citations, but I understand that they are necessary. Much of the information in this book strikes me as commonplace, at least to me, but this supposedly common knowledge does not seem all that common in the world. Both men and women would benefit from reading this text.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read, I learned a lot.

[Noemi]

helped me when i wanted to understand the sociological aspects of masculinity