Mass media portrayals of women have been identified as influential in shaping their self-image and self-esteem, as well as men's and societies' views of women. Comparatively few studies have examined mass media portrayals of men and male identity, and gender studies have often assumed these to be unproblematic. But, in a post-industrial era of economic, technological and social change, research shows mass media are projecting and propagating new images of male identity from Atlas Syndrome workaholics and 'deadbeat dads' to 'metrosexuals' and men with 'a feminine side', with potentially significant social implications. This book presents a landmark in-depth study of how mass media contribute to the making and remaking of male identity.

About the Author(s)

J. R. Macnamara

JIM R. MACNAMARA is Adjunct Professor in Public Communication at the University of Technology, Sydney, Australia, and is a regular lecturer and speaker on mass media and communication. He has spent more than 25 years working in and with mass media.

Table of Contents

List of Tables * List of Figures and Illustrations * Acknowledgements * Introduction * Why Study Mass Media Portrayals of Men and Male Identity? * How Feminism Shapes Academic and Media Discourse on Men and Male Identity * The New Focus (or Lack of Focus) on Men and Masculinity * The Role and Effects of Mass Media in Modern Societies * Men in the Media - A Review 1980-2001 * Men in the Media Today - A Contemporary Study * The Ongoing International Media Debate on Men * Personal, Social and Political Implications * Appendices * References * Index