Current Issues Facing Men and Boys: A Case for Urgent Change

This important book offers an accessible overview and timely examination of the unique challenges faced by men and boys in contemporary society.

It covers a wide range of topics, including the male mental health crisis, the impact of media and popular culture on male identity, and issues related to body image, as well as education, work, sexual behaviour, relationships, and the evolving roles of fatherhood. Additionally, it addresses the prevalence of violence, homelessness, substance misuse, and specific issues faced by men in institutional settings like the military and prison. Written in a user-friendly style, each chapter contains summary action points and signposts to further resources where relevant. The book takes an intersectional approach throughout, which continually considers the role of gender, ethnicity, religion, culture, class, and sexuality in the lives of men and boys. It therefore serves as an inclusive and comprehensive resource for promoting a more compassionate society, highlighting the need for evidence-based interventions and strategies to foster meaningful change that supports the well-being of men and boys.

Emphasizing that addressing men’s issues complements and reinforces the broader fight for gender equality, this practical book is highly relevant for mental health professionals, educators, and other practitioners who are interested in understanding the unique challenges that men and boys face. It will also be useful reading for students of psychology, gender studies, sociology, health and social care, and many other subjects.

Benjamin A. Hine is Professor of Applied Psychology at the University of West London, UK. He is co-founder of the Men and Boys Coalition, a network that aims to raise awareness of the issues facing men and boys in the UK. He is also currently Chair of the Male Psychology Section of the British Psychological Society, and is a researcher, speaker, and activist across a number of topics affecting men and boys, including reading attainment, experiences of family separation, and domestic violence. Find out more here: https: //drbenhine.co.uk/