Full Description
This important book offers an accessible overview and timely examination of the unique challenges faced by men and boys in contemporary society.
It covers a wide range of topics, including the male mental health crisis, the impact of media and popular culture on male identity, and issues related to body image, as well as education, work, sexual behaviour, relationships, and the evolving roles of fatherhood. Additionally, it addresses the prevalence of violence, homelessness, substance misuse, and specific issues faced by men in institutional settings like the military and prison. Written in a user-friendly style, each chapter contains summary action points and signposts to further resources where relevant. The book takes an intersectional approach throughout, which continually considers the role of gender, ethnicity, religion, culture, class, and sexuality in the lives of men and boys. It therefore serves as an inclusive and comprehensive resource for promoting a more compassionate society, highlighting the need for evidence-based interventions and strategies to foster meaningful change that supports the well-being of men and boys.
Emphasizing that addressing men's issues complements and reinforces the broader fight for gender equality, this practical book is highly relevant for mental health professionals, educators, and other practitioners who are interested in understanding the unique challenges that men and boys face. It will also be useful reading for students of psychology, gender studies, sociology, health and social care, and many other subjects.
Contents
Section 1: Introduction 1. Introduction 2. Masculinity and Gender Roles Section 2: Men, Mental Health, and the Media 3. Male Mental Health 4. Suicide 5. Media, Pop Culture, and Male Identity 6. Screen Time and Gaming Addiction Section 3: The Body and Sexual Behaviour 7. Body Image 8. Gym and Steroid Addiction 9. Circumcision 10. Sexual Behaviour and Consent 11. Pornography Section 4: Education and Work 12. Education 13. Higher Education 14. Work 15. Work-Life Balance Section 5: Relationships and Fatherhood 16. Friendship and Romance 17. Fatherhood 18. Family Breakdown, Separation, and Divorce Section 6: Vulnerable Men 19. Violence 20. Homelessness 21. The Army, Prison, the Police, and the Care System 22. Substance Use and Misuse Section 7: Intersectionality and Intervention 23. Gender and Ethnicity, Religion, Culture, Class, and Sexuality 24. Effective Interventions and Strategies 25. Conclusion
