By: Anneli Häyrén, Helena Wahlström Henriksson
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.
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.
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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.
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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.