Back to the boys? Temptations of the good gender theorist

Abstract

Saturated with gloom, anxiety, mirth or irony, discourses of men in crisis are ubiquitous. Critically surveying available empirical evidence and the ever-expanding conceptual apparatus for deconstructing and refiguring masculinities, this article reflects upon the historical, social, cultural and political landscape of crisis literature. It considers the limitations of attempts to reform or undo some of the unwanted repercussions of manhood, whether endeavouring to reform, deconstruct, subvert, reclaim or ironize social attitudes, texts or performances of masculinity