The Cultural Myth of Masculinity [Hardcover]

Chris Blazina (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 30, 2003 | ISBN-10: 0275979903 | ISBN-13: 978-0275979904

This volume shows how masculinity is a socially constructed entity with a definition that has evolved over time. Masculine icons/heroes and methods of male socialization allow for contextual examination of specific time periods, which is necessary to understand the concept of Western "masculinity." The volume presents "two masculinities," representing the aristocracy and the warrior class notions of how to be a man, that have vied for dominance throughout most of Western culture.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“[a]n important contribution to the confrontation of ideas of masculinity, manhood and maleness that most of us are using on ourselves and others.”–Everyman

“Using a holistic approach based on a historical and contextual analysis of myth and social structure in Western societies, Blazina challenges the idea that 'masculinity' is a given, a constant, a universal set of behaviors that vary not over time or by culture, and shows how ideals of masculinity evolve. This book is a must read for any serious student of gender.”–Ronald F. Levant, Ed.D., A.B.P.P. Co-Editor, A New Psychology of Men

“This book takes readers on an engaging journey across centuries and continents--boldly tracking the roots of Western conceptions of masculinity. Blazina casts a wide net and delivers a thoughtful analysis of this critical yet illusive concept. I enthusiastically recommend this book!”–Glenn E. Good, Associate Professor, Department of Educational & Counseling Psychology, University of Missouri-Columbia

“Blazina's synthesis on the evolution of masculinity in Western cultures is brilliant and timely. Clearly, this is a 'breakthrough book' that deepens our understanding of men in the past and the present.”–James M. O'Neil, Ph.D. Professor of Family Studies, University of Connecticut

About the Author

CHRIS BLAZINA is Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Houston.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Praeger Publishers (July 30, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0275979903
• ISBN-13: 978-0275979904
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,098,197 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Blazina has a unique ability to tackle complex issues and make them accessible. This can be seen across the various dimensions of his career as a psychologist, researcher, and professor. Besides being a guest on numerous radio shows across the country, his works appears in leading journals in the field of psychology. Dr. Blazina has also been featured in popular magazines such as "Cosmopolitan" and "Women's Health." His radio program, "The Secret Lives of Men," airs weekly on BlogTalkRadio. The Secret Lives of Men brings multifaceted issues about men's health and well-being to a general audience.

Dr. Blazina has authored numerous scholarly publications about the psychology of men and masculinity. His first book the academic text, "The Cultural Myth of Masculinity," received praise from noted experts in the field. Dr. Blazina's second book, "The Secret Lives of Men: What Men Want You to Know About Love, Sex, and Relationships" is a self help book aimed at making sense of the often misunderstood world of men. The book is written for both men and women, explaining the occurrences that shape males lives. His forthcoming book, "An International Psychology of Men" includes experts from around the world. Contact Dr. Blazina at his website: www.thesecretlivesofmen.com.