This volume shows how masculinity is a socially constructed entity with a definition that has evolved over time. Masculine icons/heroes and methods of male socialization allow for contextual examination of specific time periods, which is necessary to understand the concept of Western "masculinity." The volume presents "two masculinities," representing the aristocracy and the warrior class notions of how to be a man, that have vied for dominance throughout most of Western culture.

This text is the first to provide a contextual understanding of the clinical issues that affect men and masculinity across a wide range of cultural and national settings. It demonstrates that gender can no longer be viewed as an isolated characteristic; in an era of increased globalization, mental health professionals need to take ethnic and cultural issues into account to provide adequate care for male patients. Numerous international perspectives are offered by the contributing authors, authorities from countries such as Australia, Argentina, Denmark, Canada, India, Ireland, and South Africa, on theoretical and clinical innovations for working with men. Their chapters also offer insight into the socio-cultural contexts for counseling men in and from their respective countries by exploring the ways in which "being a man" is socially defined, what unique challenges men face, and how these challenges can be negotiated within their specific cultural settings. Topics addressed will include boyhood notions of manhood, relationship concerns and power, fatherhood, and men s body image across the life span. This text will ultimately enable mental health practitioners to have a better understanding of how to work more effectively with male clients.

This text is the first to provide a contextual understanding of the clinical issues that affect men and masculinity across a wide range of cultural and national settings. It demonstrates that gender can no longer be viewed as an isolated characteristic; in an era of increased globalization, mental health professionals need to take ethnic and cultural issues into account to provide adequate care for male patients. Numerous international perspectives are offered by the contributing authors, authorities from countries such as Australia, Argentina, Denmark, Canada, India, Ireland, and South Africa, on theoretical and clinical innovations for working with men. Their chapters also offer insight into the socio-cultural contexts for counseling men in and from their respective countries by exploring the ways in which "being a man" is socially defined, what unique challenges men face, and how these challenges can be negotiated within their specific cultural settings. Topics addressed will include boyhood notions of manhood, relationship concerns and power, fatherhood, and men s body image across the life span. This text will ultimately enable mental health practitioners to have a better understanding of how to work more effectively with male clients.

After studying the lives of men who appear in this book, I concluded I was part of a community that I did not know existed. Dickens, Darwin, Byrd, and Freud. All friends that I never knew but nonetheless feel connected to through their love of dogs. It struck me one day that I took a cue from these men. To really understand who they were you must look to their dogs. The bond reveals an aspect of men that was not commonly known or in some cases, purposefully hidden from view. To really see these places where man meets dog offers a fresh perspective, windows into the best parts of who we are. I think back 50 years ago to when I was 5 years-old. At the time I was somewhat obsessed with drawing dogs driving cars. Recently, I unfolded one of these masterpieces that I had tucked away long ago. On the back of the image was my child-like scrawl explaining the drawing on the other side. The words referred to the canine in the driver's seat. But what caught my attention was the mention of "Chris Dog" a reference to my own pedigree. By my reckoning, I was part dog. The piece itself was not exactly a foreshadowing of a promising art career. Instead, it spoke to the way I would motor through my life, with a canine companion at my side.