Chinese Men's Practices of Intimacy, Embodiment and Kinship: Crafting Elastic Masculinity

This book explores Chinese young men's views of manhood and develops a new concept of 'elastic masculinity' that responds to personal relationships and local realities. It uses the term 'shenti' to investigate the Chinese male body and explores intimacy and kinship within masculinity, reflecting the resilience of Confucian notions and transnational ideas of modern manhood.

Format: Hardback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 14 June 2021
Publisher: Bristol University Press

This captivating book delves into the intricate tapestry of Chinese young men's perceptions of manhood, unveiling a novel concept of 'elastic masculinity.' This flexible framework allows for the shaping and adaptation of masculinity in response to the unique dynamics of personal relationships and local realities. Through robust empirical research, the author employs the term 'shenti' (body-self) as a central lens, shedding light on the intricacies of the Chinese male body and unraveling the profound connections between intimacy and kinship within masculinity. What emerges is a captivating portrayal of Chinese masculinities, which seamlessly blend the enduring tenets of Confucian philosophy with transnational notions of modern manhood. This unique dialogue with Western discourse on masculinity offers a profound insight into the seismic social transformations that have reshaped gendered arrangements in urban China. As a valuable resource, this book empowers readers to navigate the complexities of this rapidly evolving landscape, fostering a deeper understanding of the multifaceted dynamics shaping contemporary Chinese society.

Weight: 534g
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529212983