Recreating Sexual Politics

This thought-provoking book, first published in 1991, examines sexual politics in a world which is being radically changed by the challenges of feminism. Seidler explores how men have responded to feminism, and the contradictory feelings men have towards dominant forms of masculinity. Seidler’s stimulating and original analysis of social and political theory connects personally to everyday issues in people’s lives. It reflects the growing importance of sexual and personal politics within contemporary politics and culture, and demonstrates clearly the challenge that feminism brings to our inherited forms of morality, politics and sexuality.

First published in 1991, this title examines sexual politics in a world which is being radically changed by the challenges of feminism. Seidler explores how men have responded to feminism, and the contradictory feelings men have towards dominant forms of masculinity.

One of the most central issues for women′s prospects for equality is whether man can and will change. Changing the social relations of gender will involve changing men′s subjectives as well as their daily practices. This book asks whether this is possible. Bob Pease examines how men, who are supportive of feminism, are responding to the feminist challenge, through an exploration of their experiences and dilemmas in trying to live out their feminist commitment and resist hegemonic forms of masculinity. The book is driven by practical as well as theoretical concerns, and aims to develop strategies that will promote the process of change towards equality in gender relations. Drawing on a critical postmodern theoretical framework, Pease argues that it is possible for men to reposition themselves in patriarchal discourses and to reformulate their interests in challenging gender domination. Recreating Men is an invaluable reading for academics and students of gender studies, and of interest to students of sociology, psychology and political sociology.

From Panthers to Promise Keepers draws on intimate observations of the men and networks who were involved in what some have called Othe menOs movementO and tells us why these networks mattered. Focusing on the decades between 1950 and 2000, it argues that while public, structural change is necessary for gender equality, getting men involved in efforts at social justice may well depend on their making changes with respect to feelings and with respect to their unconscious fears and anxieties as well.

Annotation Explores the new politics of masculinity and gender identity, examining the contemporary discourses of masculinity by focusing on male pro-feminist movements and locating them within the context of feminist debates.

Sexuality and sexual politics have been much debated over the last 20 years and feminists, in particular, have been responsible for politicising the debate, pointing out how something which is usually regarded as private and personal is, in fact, a public and political issue. This text illustrates the diversity and excitement of debates about sexuality in women's studies and feminism today, and points to new paths for feminist analysis, thinking and action. In particular, heterosexuality can no longer be taken for granted and must, along with other forms of sexuality, be explicitly addressed. The volume is divided into three sections: "Analysing (Hetero)sexuality" is concerned with exploring some of the complexities of the material aspects of sexual relations between men and women; "Media Discourses of Sexuality" contains analyses derived from women's magazines, television and newspapers; and "Practising Sexual Politics" focuses on the reflexive awareness of sexual politics in the framing of methodological issues in research.

Through a broad critical review of masculinity studies, the book provides an original synthesis of main theories, key concepts and empirical research. Designed to provide an up-to-date guide to the field, it combines the traditional sociological enquiry into the family, work and education with contemporary concerns about multiple identities, globalization and late modernity.

First published in 1991, The Achilles Heel Reader brings together key articles from Achilles Heel, the path-breaking and influential magazine of men's sexual politics. It also includes an important introduction by the editor, setting the magazine in its intellectual and historical context. Achilles Heel, first published in 1978, was a magazine which explored positive conceptions of masculinity and the ways in which men can change in response to the challenge of feminism. It sought to persuade men to take responsibility for the power they share as men in relation to women - and to use this responsibility both in their personal relationships and in challenging the political and social institutions and practices that embody such power. This selection covers crucial issues in men's lives - work, sexuality, children, relationships, family, class, sharing the experience of different masculinities - and brilliantly catches the tensions and anxieties of men trying to cope with the interplay between their sexuality and their political commitments. By bringing the personal and the political together The Achilles Heel Reader reconsiders basic questions of socialist theory and practice. It will be of great value to students of sociology, women's studies, politics and cultural studies, as well as those interested in feminism as part of a process of reworking socialism.