The Psychology of Men and Masculinities

Decades ago, the emergence of feminist psychology upended the old order by redefining sex and gender. Soon thereafter, scholars such as Ron Levant recognized the importance of doing a similar critical analysis of men. Now, years later, the psychology of men and masculinities is a thriving, growing field illuminating the impact of sex and gender on the lives of men.

This highly anticipated volume shows how far the field has advanced and what directions it is taking. It explains and evaluates major theories, research, and applications, with an emphasis on the gender role strain paradigm, which is an empirical, feminist, and social constructionist approach that is based primarily in psychology and that relies largely on quantitative research.

The chapters also synthesize research on men’s mental and physical health, including depression, help-seeking, stigma, body image, and the physical health effects of masculinity. Special attention is given to ethnic, racial, and sexual minority men. Finally, the book surveys the growing body of work on therapeutic and preventive interventions for men, as well as programs aimed at men’s violence, substance use, and lack of self-care.

With such broad and inclusive coverage, this volume will be a standard reference for researchers and practitioners in this field and an essential part of university courses on men and masculinities.