Masculinities in Post-Millennial Popular Romance

This book explores how post-millennial popular romance narratives project hegemonic masculinity, highlighting its continuous change and the emergence of various dominant masculinities. It suggests that these masculinities do not necessarily clash or depend on each other, providing a poststructuralist lens for analyzing romance narratives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 70 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the fascinating portrayal of hero masculinity in a diverse array of post-millennial popular romance narratives, seeking to unravel the extent to which this projection either reinforces or challenges prevailing patriarchal notions about gender. Within these narratives, the hero is frequently depicted as a dominant alpha male, a quintessential representation of traditional masculinity. However, it's important to note that hegemonic masculinity is a fluid concept that undergoes continuous transformation, giving rise to various dominant masculinities.

Through a poststructuralist lens and a meticulous textual analysis approach, coupled with a gender-sensitive reading of romance narratives, the book proposes that the romance hero can be seen as a platform upon which diverse manifestations of dominant masculinity are showcased. It emphasizes that these masculinities do not necessarily conflict with each other, rely on one another, or function as prerequisites.

The book explores the complexities and nuances of these portrayals, shedding light on how they shape the characters, relationships, and societal norms within the romance genre. It raises thought-provoking questions about the role of men in contemporary society and the impact of these narratives on gender perceptions and expectations. By examining the interplay between hero masculinity, power dynamics, and romantic relationships, this book offers a fresh perspective on the evolving landscape of gender roles and relationships in popular culture.

Weight: 116g
Dimension: 214 x 138 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032306841