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Introduction: Masculinities in Crisis? Opening the Debate

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Debating Modern Masculinities: Change, Continuity, Crisis?

Abstract

This chapter outlines the concerns as set out by Diane Abbot’s speech in 2013 in which she suggested that contemporary young British men are facing a crisis of masculinity. Situating this view of masculinity as part of historical trend towards crisis tendency, the chapter sets the tone for the collection by offering an opening response to Abbott’s claims. Recent developments in the theorising of men’s lives are brought to attention — especially Anderson’s theory of inclusive masculinity — to help interrogate this crisis talk, at the same time setting up a critical debate among authors on the best way to theorise multiple, fluid and complex expressions of masculinity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Kent, UK

    Steven Roberts (Senior Lecturer in Social Policy and Sociology)

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  1. Steven Roberts
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Kent, UK

    Steven Roberts (Senior Lecturer on Social Policy and Sociology) (Senior Lecturer on Social Policy and Sociology)

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© 2014 Steven Roberts

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Roberts, S. (2014). Introduction: Masculinities in Crisis? Opening the Debate. In: Roberts, S. (eds) Debating Modern Masculinities: Change, Continuity, Crisis?. Palgrave Pivot, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137394842_1

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