Research on Men and Masculinities

Abstract

This article offers some reflections on the challenges posed by recent trends in social theory to the field of masculinity studies. The postmodern/poststructural turn in theory has led to a reappraisal of basic concepts in many fields of research and opened up new areas for investigation. The article outlines the relevance of this work for masculinity studies and draws some implications for the future development of the field. If scholars are to effectively challenge the power relations of gender, race, and sexuality, it is important that they critically examine the discursive frameworks that shape the fabrication of concepts, the definition of problems, and the formulation of research questions. The article concludes by proposing a revised and broadened agenda for research on men and masculinities, which pays greater attention to the politics of knowledge and makes greater use of historical methods to analyze power relations and the social constructions of masculine identity and the male body.