Global Masculinities: Masculinities Matter!

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Men are often overlooked in gender and development policy, yet critiques highlight the necessity of understanding men and masculinities and the social dynamics between genders. This book advocates for focusing on men within gender and development frameworks, emphasizing arguments rooted in equality, social justice, and the unique vulnerabilities faced by men. It addresses the crisis of masculinity and the importance of involving men as partners in strategic development efforts. Incorporating men necessitates a reevaluation of existing theories and concepts that inform policies. The book explores various debates, such as the relationship between modernization, development, and gender, the suitability of feminist frameworks for addressing men's issues, and the relevance of hegemonic masculinity in diverse cultural contexts. It also emphasizes the need to connect micro-level social relations with macro-level trends. Chapters draw on experiences from different regions and development initiatives, analyzing men and masculinities while highlighting implications for policy and practice. Topics include working with children and schools, influencing sexual health and intimate relationships, and engaging men in women's groups. Other discussions focus on gender relations in contexts of violence and conflict, the state's role in shaping masculinities, and the intersections of gender with race and class. Collectively, these insights unde