This book explores the social, political and theoretical underpinnings of the men's health field. Written by experts in the field, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the relationships between cultural understandings and health-related issues.

List of Illustrations Introduction: Men’s health in context Introduction Outline of the book References Chapter 1: Theorising Masculinity and Men's Health Introduction Health and the Social Construction of Gender Theorising Masculinity in the Context of Health Conclusion Acknowledgement References Chapter 2: Positioning prostate cancer as the problematic third testicle Introduction A word about style Moving into Prostate Cancer Moving through Prostate Cancer Moving out from Prostate Cancer Recommendations and conclusion Author note Acknowledgements References Chapter 3: Men, masculinity and help-seeking behaviour Introduction Are men more reluctant to seek help than women, or is it just a myth? Gender Role Socialisation and Help-seeking Behaviour Help-seeking vis-…-vis the social construction of hegemonic masculinity Masculinities, Identity, and Help-seeking Behaviour Concluding Remarks References Chapter 4: Gender and psychosocial adaptation after a coronary event: a relational analysis Introduction Method Living in denial Coping with diagnosis, treatment and recovery Reconstructing gender identity during extended recovery Conclusion References Chapter 5: Spectacular risk, public health and the technological mediation of the sexual practices of gay men Introduction Spectacular risk and public health Measuring and explaining risky behaviour Technologically mediated sexual cultures Public health after ‘barebacking’ Conclusion Acknowledgement References Chapter 6: Young men, masculinity and alcohol Introduction Young men’s alcohol consumption Influences on young men’s drinking The importance of masculinity 201 Recent qualitative research into masculinity and alcohol consumption Quantitative analysis of links between masculinity and alcohol - beliefs and behaviour Conclusion Acknowledgments References Chapter 7: Men’s Mental Health Introduction Rates of mental disorders The social constructionist perspective Over and under-achievement as a male mental health syndrome Men, warfare and mental health Conclusion References Chapter 8: Sport, health and steroids: Paradox, contradiction or ethical self-formation Introduction Sport and Health as Paradox From Paradox to Moral and Ethical Performance Bodybuilding as Ethical Practice and Performance Physical Growth and Personal Transformation in Bodybuilding Dedication and the use of time Health as Distinction Conclusion References Chapter 8: Racialised masculinities and the health of immigrant and refugee men Introduction The New Men’s Health The health disparities literature in relation to race and ethnicity Marginalised masculinities and men’s health Immigrant and refugee men in Australia The social context of immigrant and refugee men’s health Gender issues facing immigrant and refugee men Conclusion References Chapter 9: Future research agenda in men’s health Introduction Some guiding assumptions in research Dualistic thought The dominance of biomedical conceptions of health Developing new perspectives on men’s health and illness References

Men’s Health explores the social, political and theoretical underpinnings of the men’s health field. Drawing together academics at the forefront of research into men’s health, each chapter examines a different intersection of health and masculinity, providing an international and interdisciplinary perspective on the state of play in men’s health research. Men’s Health explores a diverse range of topics including: social theory and men’s health; prostate cancer; heart disease; sexuality; binge drinking; ethnicity, help-seeking; HIV/AIDS; mental illness and sport.  Drawing on a range of disciplinary backgrounds and research methodologies, each chapter utilises a critical social science perspective to explore the complex and nuanced relationships between health and contemporary masculinities. This book will be of use to sociology and social science students and academics interested in health and wellbeing, gender studies scholars, as well as those teaching and studying in medicine, nursing and allied health. Special features: The essential social science book on men’s health and masculinities The first book to provide a critical overview of men’s health in international perspective Written by experts in the field, drawn from a range of disciplines International appeal, with authors from the UK, US, Canada, Finland and Australia

"For those specifically engaged in sociological work around gender (and/or masculinities) and health the book provides an excellent collection of recent, high quality, empirical and theoretically informed pieces." (Sociology of Health & Illness, 2011) "This is, however, a provocative, important resource on men's health for all academic audiences, especially those interested in gender studies and health care." (CHOICE, March 2010)