Language and Mediated Masculinities: Cultures, Contexts, Constraints

The book "Language and Mediated Masculinities" explores how language shapes and influences debates about masculinity in various media contexts. It critically examines the intersection of language, masculinities, and identities and addresses key questions about the construction of masculinities, the impact of language on gender ideologies, and the state of contemporary gender relations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 13 March 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Debates about masculinity have taken center stage in various media outlets, from television shows to the manosphere, and from alt-right communities to fatherhood forums. The question of what it means to be a man in contemporary society has become increasingly prominent, as has the exploration of how masculinity is constituted in different media spaces. This cultural tension surrounding masculinities has garnered attention from both general audiences and burgeoning academic scholarship. However, one aspect that has often been overlooked is the role that language plays in these mediated performances of masculinity.

In his book "Language and Mediated Masculinities," Robert Lawson delves into the intricate relationship between language, masculinities, and identities in contemporary society. Drawing on data from a wide range of media contexts, including newspapers, social media sites, television programs, and online forums, Lawson offers a critical evaluation of the intersection between language, masculinities, and identities. The book addresses three key questions:

How are masculinities constructed, both in public and private spheres, through linguistic and discursive strategies?
How does language about masculinity and men affect (and recreate) gender ideologies in different social, political, and historical contexts?
What might the language of men tell us about the state of contemporary gender relations in the twenty-first century?

Lawson's book provides valuable insights into how language is implicated in (re)creating gender ideologies and how it shapes contemporary gender relations. Against a backdrop of rising neoliberalism, ethnic nationalism, online radicalization, networked misogyny, and fractious gender relations, this book is an important contribution to charting how language is used to monitor, evaluate, and police masculinities in online and offline spaces.

One of the key findings of "Language and Mediated Masculinities" is that language plays a crucial role in shaping the construction of masculinities. Lawson argues that language is not just a means of communication but also a powerful tool for constructing and perpetuating gender norms and stereotypes. Through the use of specific words, phrases, and metaphors, language can reinforce or challenge existing gender ideologies, creating new meanings and identities for men and women.

For example, Lawson explores how language is used to describe men and women in the media. He notes that traditional gender roles are often reinforced through the use of gendered language, with men being described as strong, independent, and rational, while women are portrayed as weak, dependent, and emotional. These stereotypes can have significant impacts on how men and women perceive themselves and each other, as well as on their interactions with others.

Lawson also examines how language is used to police masculinities in online and offline spaces. He argues that online platforms, such as social media and forums, have become sites where men are subjected to intense scrutiny and criticism for their behavior and beliefs. The use of language in these spaces can be highly toxic, with men being targeted for their gender, race, and sexuality. Lawson notes that this policing of masculinities can have negative consequences for men's mental health and well-being, as well as for broader societal attitudes towards men.

In addition to exploring the role of language in shaping masculinities, "Language and Mediated Masculinities" also offers insights into how language can be used to challenge and transform gender norms and stereotypes. Lawson highlights the importance of using inclusive and non-gendered language to promote gender equality and diversity. He suggests that by using language that avoids binary distinctions and promotes empathy and understanding, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society.

Overall, "Language and Mediated Masculinities" is a thought-provoking and important book that sheds light on the complex relationship between language, masculinities, and identities in contemporary society. By examining the role that language plays in these mediated performances of masculinity, Lawson provides valuable insights into how we can use language to promote positive change and challenge harmful gender norms and stereotypes. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the role of language in shaping our world and the individuals who inhabit it.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 234 x 155 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190081058