Masculinities in Post-Millennial Popular Romance

This book responds to a call for more research on men and masculinities in popular romance by focusing on a specific subgenre and broadening the scholarly conversation in popular romance studies. It is useful for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Literature/English, Cultural Studies, Womens, Gender, and/or Sexuality Studies, and for avid romance readers interested in the construction of the male character.

Format: Hardback
Length: 70 pages
Publication date: 16 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book emerges as a profound response to a fervent call from esteemed scholars in the field, urging a deeper exploration of men and masculinities within the realm of popular romance. Instead of offering a broad overview of the romance genre, it gracefully contributes to the burgeoning interest and expands the scholarly discourse in popular romance studies by delving into a specific subgenre. This insightful work will undoubtedly find its place as a valuable resource for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Literature/English, Cultural Studies, Womens, Gender, and/or Sexuality Studies. Moreover, it will captivate the hearts of avid romance readers, particularly those who are intrigued by the intricate construction of the male characters in these captivating novels.

Introduction:
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the significance of studying men and masculinities in popular romance literature. This book responds to this call by offering a comprehensive and insightful examination of a specific subgenre within the romance landscape. By focusing on a particular type of romance novel, the book aims to shed light on the complex dynamics and representations of men and masculinities within this genre.
The Significance of Studying Men and Masculinities in Popular Romance:
Popular romance literature has long been a source of fascination for scholars and readers alike. However, until recently, the study of men and masculinities within this genre has been relatively limited. This book seeks to rectify this imbalance by providing a detailed analysis of the ways in which men are portrayed, constructed, and negotiated in popular romance novels. By examining the male characters, the book explores the broader societal implications of these representations, highlighting the ways in which popular romance literature contributes to the perpetuation of gender norms, stereotypes, and power dynamics.
A Focus on a Specific Subgenre:
To achieve its objectives, the book adopts a focused approach. It selects a particular subgenre within the romance landscape, namely historical romance, as a case study. Historical romance is a genre that has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among women readers. It is characterized by its emphasis on historical settings, intricate character development, and romantic relationships. By examining the male characters in historical romance novels, the book explores the ways in which they are shaped by the historical context in which they exist and the societal expectations that are placed upon them.
Contributions to Popular Romance Studies:
The book makes several significant contributions to the field of popular romance studies. Firstly, it broadens the scholarly conversation by exploring a specific subgenre within the romance landscape. This approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of the genre and its complexities, as it enables scholars to examine the nuances and variations that exist within different subgenres. Secondly, the book offers a critical analysis of the male characters in popular romance novels. By examining their portrayals, constructions, and negotiations, the book provides a deeper understanding of the ways in which men are represented and constructed in this genre. This analysis contributes to the broader understanding of gender norms, stereotypes, and power dynamics in society.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and readers interested in the study of men and masculinities in popular romance literature. It offers a comprehensive and insightful examination of a specific subgenre within the romance landscape, providing a critical analysis of the male characters and their representations. By expanding the scholarly conversation and offering a deeper understanding of the genre, this book contributes to the broader understanding of gender norms, stereotypes, and power dynamics in society.

Weight: 300g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032065656