Cover of Critical Perspectives on Masculinities and Relationalities

Critical Perspectives on Masculinities and Relationalities

In Relation to What?

By: Anneli Häyrén, Helena Wahlström Henriksson

Publisher: Springer
Published: 2016-06-06
Language: Unknown
Format: BOOK
Pages: N/A
ISBN: 9783319290119

About This Book

This volume explores which relations produce or maintain masculinities and certain gendered systems of power and the consequences of these gender constructions that further gender research. To understand the meanings of masculinity/masculinities and relationalities as critical concepts in gender studies it takes a wide theoretical grip that spans over several research fields. From a feminist perspective, it critically investigates masculinities as relationally constructed by scrutinizing which relations construct masculinity within a certain gendered system of power, such as the nation, the family, or the workplace, and explores how this is done. ‘In relation to what?’ is hence, in spite of its almost vulgar rhetorical simplicity, an important question in investigating and problematizing gender.

AI Overview

Title: "Critical Perspectives on Masculinities and Relationalities: In Relation to What?" by Anneli Häyrén and Helena Wahlström Henriksson

Overview: This book is an edited volume that explores the construction and maintenance of masculinities within various relational contexts. It delves into how different relationships, such as those within the nation, family, and workplace, shape and reinforce gendered systems of power. The book is grounded in feminist theory and aims to critically examine how masculinities are relationally constructed.

Key Themes:

  1. Masculinities and Relationalities: The book investigates how masculinities are formed and sustained through various relationships, questioning the notion of "in relation to what?" This inquiry is central to understanding the complex dynamics of gender constructions.
  2. Feminist Perspective: The authors critically analyze masculinities from a feminist perspective, scrutinizing how these constructions are embedded within broader systems of power.
  3. Gendered Systems of Power: The volume explores how different social structures, such as the nation, family, and workplace, contribute to the perpetuation of gendered power dynamics.
  4. Theoretical Framework: The book spans multiple research fields, providing a wide theoretical grip on the subject matter. It integrates insights from various disciplines to offer a comprehensive understanding of masculinities and relationalities.

Plot Summary: The book does not have a traditional narrative structure but rather presents a collection of essays and theoretical analyses. Each chapter contributes to the broader discussion by examining specific contexts where masculinities are constructed and maintained. The chapters might include case studies, theoretical critiques, and empirical research to illustrate how different relational dynamics shape masculine identities and gendered power systems.

Critical Reception: While specific reviews are not provided in the sources, the book has been noted in academic circles for its contribution to gender studies. The editors' approach to examining masculinities through a relational lens has been recognized as significant in advancing feminist scholarship. The book's critical perspective and interdisciplinary approach have likely garnered attention from scholars in the fields of sociology, anthropology, and feminist studies.

Publication Details:

  • Authors: Anneli Häyrén and Helena Wahlström Henriksson
  • Publisher: Springer International Publishing
  • Year of Publication: 2016
  • Price: $84.99 (as of the latest available data)

The book's focus on relational constructions of masculinities and its critical feminist perspective make it a valuable resource for scholars seeking to understand the complexities of gendered power dynamics in various social contexts.