(In)Fertile Male Bodies: Masculinities and Lifestyle Management in Neoliberal Times

The study investigates the relationship between male fertility and lifestyle practices, exploring personal experiences and the broader promotion of 'lifestyle' as a key aspect for improving male fertility. It examines the growth of healthism around infertility, the role of neoliberalism, and the fluid nature of societal and personal perspectives on the male infertility experience.

Format: Hardback
Length: 124 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2022
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

Declining global male fertility rates have sparked a growing interest in male fertility in recent years, coinciding with the increasing emphasis on individual responsibility for health. Fertility and lifestyle have become increasingly intertwined, leading to a perception that they are closely linked.

In their article, Esmée Sinéad Hanna and Brendan Gough delve into the experiences of men regarding fertility and lifestyle practices. They explore personal accounts of the role of lifestyle in the quest for conception and the broader promotion of 'lifestyle' as a crucial aspect for enhancing male fertility. By examining the relationship between male fertility and lifestyle factors and their potential modification, the authors examine the emergence of healthism surrounding infertility. They also explore the role of neoliberalism in this context and how it intersects with masculinity.

Using a novel concept of liquid masculinity, the authors examine the fluid nature of societal and personal perspectives on the male infertility experience. They offer fresh insights into the widely accepted notion that 'sperm is malleable and that fertility can be controlled through personal choices, despite limited scientific evidence to support such claims.

This article contributes to our understanding of the complex interplay between fertility, lifestyle, and masculinity, shedding light on the societal and personal factors that shape men's experiences with infertility. It highlights the need for a more nuanced and inclusive approach to addressing male fertility concerns, recognizing the diverse perspectives and experiences of men in this realm.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800716100