A leading figure in the interdisciplinary field of men's and masculinity studies, Messerschmidt takes a novel approach in theorizing on masculinity: he looks at its social construction over the life course. In chapters devoted to interviews with what he labels ‘wimps’ and ‘genderqueers’ and content analysis of presidential speeches by Barack Obama and George Bush, the author offers a poignant illustration of the relationship between personal life history and sex, gender, and sexuality construction. Messerschmidt has a long history with this topic, and he draws heavily on his own previously published work, with the result that in places the book seems like a unique form of meta-analysis. That said, he does so with an eye aimed squarely on developing a revised ‘structured action theory,’ one paying particular attention to the intersection of gender, sex, and sexuality in masculinity’s construction. Perhaps Messerschmidt's greatest contribution, however, is found in the conclusion of the book: he provides ten well-thought-out, clearly articulated suggestions for future research on masculinity. Scholars—especially those beginning their careers—will be well served by reading this section closely and heeding the author’s sage advice. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students, researchers, faculty.

Choice Reviews

In the final and short concluding chapter, James Messerschmidt advances ten priorities for future directions for masculinity scholars that arise from his analysis of the case studies. It is a fine way to finish the book, and it poses some excellent challenges for future research on men and masculinities. Although perhaps not ideal for complete newcomers to this field of study, in bringing James Messerschmidt’s theoretical and empirical work together in one volume, this book will be of immense value to masculinity and gender studies scholars, especially those who are exploring the research implications of hegemonic masculinity and masculinities as forms of structured action.

Gender And Development

Basically we get a new way of looking at key concepts and what we see is backed-up by data. By examining new gender practices and the older patterns of dominance, Messerschmidt provides valuable ways of looking at masculinity.

Reviews by Amos Lassen

This book is indispensable for anyone working in the area of gender. James W. Messerschmidt, one of the founders of masculinities studies, refines and expands the concept and theory of masculinities as structured action, and illustrates this analysis with wimps and genderqueers. He ends by provocatively focusing on Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, both of whom portrayed themselves in their speeches as ‘hegemonic masculine heroic protectors.’ The result is an excellent combination of original theory and close-read data.

Judith Lorber, professor emerita, Graduate School and Brooklyn College, CUNY; author of Breaking the Bowls: Degendering and Feminist Change

Once again, James W. Messerschmidt has written a book that is deeply theorized, rich in storytelling, and accessible in its style. Through a creative close-up comparison of very differently situated people—wimps, genderqueers, and two recent U.S. presidents—Masculinities in the Making deepens and broadens our understanding of the shifting personal meanings and social relations of gender at the local, regional, and global levels. This important book should be required reading for scholars, students, and the general public.

Michael A. Messner, University of Southern California Dornsife; coauthor of Some Men: Feminist Allies and the Movement to End Violence against Women

James W. Messerschmidt has a rare gift: he uses the well-chosen case study to make bigger and bigger claims, not by imposing some prepackaged theoretical frame onto his subjects, but by letting them frame their own stories. From micro-level interactions of gender nonconforming guys to public performances of our most recent presidents, Masculinities in the Making is both compelling and thoughtful.

Michael Kimmel, SUNY Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies, Stony Brook University