Men and Masculinities current issue

Misogyny in Rap Music: A Content Analysis of Prevalence and Meanings

Weitzer, R., Kubrin, C. E. — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:27:40 PDT

Rap music has a reputation for being misogynistic, but surprisingly little research has systematically investigated this dimension of the music. This study assesses the portrayal of women in a representative sample of 403 rap songs. Content analysis identified five gender-related themes in this body of music—themes that contain messages regarding ‘‘essential’’ male and female characteristics and that espouse a set of conduct norms for men and women. Our analysis situates rap music within the context of larger cultural and music industry norms and the local, neighborhood conditions that inspired this music in the first place.

Negotiating the Field of Masculinity: The Production and Reproduction of Multiple Dominant Masculinities

Coles, T. — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:27:40 PDT

This article presents a theoretical model of masculinities based on a combination of Connell’s theories on hegemonic masculinity and Bourdieu’s concepts of habitus, capital, and fields. The work of Connell has been both profound and pervasive in its influence on the study of men and masculinities. However, there are limitations, particularly in relation to the disparity between the theoretical concept of hegemonic masculinity as the culturally dominant ideal and men’s lived experiences of a variety of dominant masculinities. The model presented herein introduces the possibility of multiple dominant masculinities that operate within subfields bound by a field of masculinity. The model also outlines the ways in which masculinities are both produced and reproduced as a consequence of struggles between dominant and subordinate groups of men. These struggles also provide a rationale for resistance and complicity determined by what is deemed to be valued capital within the field of masculinity.

Men's Choices and Masculine Duties: Fathers in Expert Discussions

Vuori, J. — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:27:40 PDT

This article analyzes the debate among family experts about fathering in Finland from the 1980s to recent years. The controversy is whether shared parenting between women and men is good for children and for men themselves or whether a gendered division of parenting should be advocated instead. Both discourses perceive men as important as fathers but disagree on the care of babies and very young children. Irrespective of position, experts stress that the choices made by men regarding fatherhood are individual and have wide-ranging consequences in their lives and the lives of their children, especially of boys. Experts view motherhood as a societal duty, and fatherhood as personal and elective. If fathers’ choices are stressed as a moral issue, it is because fathers are seen as masculine actors, not as nurturers. The author argues that the radical societal ethos of shared parenting seems to have weakened, or even disappeared.

Male Promiscuity: The Negotiation of Masculinities by Motorbike Taxi-Riders in Masaka, Uganda

Nyanzi, S., Nyanzi-Wakholi, B., Kalina, B. — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:27:40 PDT

Understanding contemporary sociocultural constructions of masculinity and sexuality is crucial in the struggle against HIV/AIDS. This article discusses lay conceptualizations and enactments of manhood, in interaction with emic interpretations and practices of promiscuity. Data were collected from motorbike taxi-riders in southwest Uganda using ethnographic participant observation, a semi-structured questionnaire (n = 221), focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, case studies, and interactive workshops. Meanings and interpretations of masculinity are deeply imbued with sociocultural symbols drawn from the traditional, ritualistic, political, economic, and contemporary contexts. Social scripts and expectations are for males to engage in sexual activity as evidence of maturation. Higher social status, economic well-being, power, and "more manhood" are associated with multiple sexual partners. This male ideology perpetuates patriarchy and the commoditization of women, disparages messages of anti-HIV/AIDS campaigns, and supports risky sexual behavior. Sexual and reproductive health interventions should widen contemporary local perceptions and understandings of manhood to include safe sexual behavior.

Masculine Socialization and Sexual Risk Behaviors among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Qualitative Exploration

Malebranche, D. J., Fields, E. L., Bryant, L. O., Harper, S. R. — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:27:40 PDT

Aspects of masculine socialization among Black men who have sex with men (MSM) and potential corresponding influences on high-risk sexual behaviors are explored in this study. Individual interviews were conducted with 29 Black MSM in Atlanta, Georgia. Findings included (1) formative masculine socialization experiences marked by an absence of biological fathers and Black male role models, (2) negative perceptions of "gay" identities and communities, (3) race and racial identification as intersecting influences on masculine and sexual identities, (4) the influences of masculine socialization and beliefs on partner selection and sexual behaviors, and (5) general themes of trust, control, "heat of the moment" sex, and low self-love as primary factors influencing condom use. Implications for future research and HIV prevention efforts targeting Black MSM are discussed.

Can ''Men'' Stop Rape?: Visualizing Gender in the ''My Strength is Not for Hurting'' Rape Prevention Campaign

Murphy, M. J. — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:27:40 PDT

The study analyzes the ‘‘My Strength is Not for Hurting’’ rape prevention public media campaign through the lens of feminist visual culture studies, arguing that the campaign sends contradictory and confusing messages to boys and men about rape and sexual assault. It also touches on the implications of the campaign’s appropriation of a commercial advertising aesthetic; the tendency to objectify women and silence their voices; and complications resulting from efforts to include racial and sexual diversity.

A Letter to Michael Murphy in Response to ''Can 'Men' Stop Rape? Visualizing Gender in the 'My Strength is Not for Hurting' Rape Prevention Campaign''

McGann, P. — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:27:40 PDT

Book Review: Noble, Jean Bobby (2004). Masculinities without Men? Female Masculinity in Twentieth-Century Fictions. Vancouver and Toronto, Canada: University of British Columbia Press

Armengol-Carrera, J. M. — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:27:40 PDT

Book Review: Erisman, Fred. (2006). Boys' Books, Boys' Dreams, and the Mystique of Flight. Fort Worth: Texas Christian University Press

Wojcik-Andrews, I. — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:27:40 PDT

Book Review: Gutmann, Matthew. (2007). Fixing Men: Sex, Birth Control, and AIDS in Mexico. Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California Press

Bissell, S. — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:27:40 PDT

Book Review: Buchanan, Andrea J., and Miriam Peskowitz. 2007. The Daring Book for Girls. New York: Collins. Iggulden, Conn, and Hal Iggulden. 2007. The Dangerous Book for Boys. New York: Collins

Bridges, T. S., Kimmel, M. — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:27:40 PDT

Book Review: Hearn, Jeff, & Pringle, Keith, with members of CROME. (2006). European Perspectives on Men and Masculinities: National and Transnational Approaches. Basingstoke, UK: Palgrave Macmillan

Forth, C. E. — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:27:40 PDT

Erratum

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:27:40 PDT

It has been brought to our attention that the article ‘‘The Hegemonic Male and Kosoval Nationalism, 2000-2005,by Dr. Jamie Munn original DOI 10.1177/ 1097184X07306744 published in the June 2008 Issue of Men and Masculinities 10(4), 440-456, included substantial portions of text from an article entitled ‘‘Masculinity and Nationalism: Gender and Sexuality in the Making of Nations,written by Dr. Joane Nagel and published in the March 2008 Issue of Ethnic and Racial Studies. The author did not provide attribution to Dr. Nagel for the portion of her article used. The Editors and Publisher extend their sincere apology to Dr. Nagel.