Becoming Young Men in a New India: Masculinities, Gender Relations and Violence in the Postcolony

Becoming Young Men in a New India explores the gendered story of a changing India through the lives of young middle-class men, revealing their violence towards women and the challenges they face. It offers a critical queer-feminist perspective of men and masculinities in postcolonial India.

Format: Hardback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 25 August 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Becoming Young Men in a New India is a captivating exploration of the evolving landscape of India through the lens of its young middle-class men. Through immersive ethnographic research, the book delves deep into the lives of these individuals, shedding light on their experiences and perspectives. By immersing themselves in various city spaces, including gyms, bars, clubs, trains, and gay cruising grounds, the authors gain a unique insight into the world of Indian men. What emerges is a critical examination of the pervasive violence against women that occurs in these spaces, as well as the complex interplay of class, masculinity, and entitlement that shape these men's lives.

The book uncovers the often-hidden social worlds of young Indian men, providing a nuanced and critical analysis of their actions and identities. It challenges the notion that men are inherently violent or entitled and instead highlights the complex interplay of social, cultural, and economic factors that shape their behavior. Through their research, the authors argue that young men's actions and identities have far-reaching consequences not only for themselves but also for the many women they encounter.

This book offers a critical queer-feminist perspective of men and masculinities in postcolonial India, where the politics of class, gender, sexuality, violence, and urban spaces intersect. It sheds light on the ways in which these factors shape the experiences of young men and women, and highlights the need for transformative change in society. By examining the complexities of male identity and the role of men in perpetuating gender inequality, Becoming Young Men in a New India contributes to the ongoing dialogue about gender and society in India.

In conclusion, Becoming Young Men in a New India is a groundbreaking work that offers a unique and insightful perspective on the changing landscape of India through the lives of its young middle-class men. Through its critical examination of gender, violence, and masculinity, the book challenges traditional narratives and provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing dialogue about gender and society in India.

Weight: 420g
Dimension: 235 x 158 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009158718