In Masculinities in the Making, James W. Messerschmidt unravels the mysteries surrounding the question of how masculinities are actually “made.” One of the most respected scholars on the subject of masculinities, Messerschmidt brings together three seemingly disparate groups—wimps, genderqueers, and U.S. presidents—to examine what insight each has to offer our understanding of masculinities. The book is unique in its coverage, including a revised structured action theory; an intersectional analysis of sex, gender, and sexuality; and an examination of the differences among masculinities from the local to the global. Messerschmidt provides a fresh, accessible, and provocative argument that significantly advances our knowledge on masculinities.

"A leading figure in the interdisciplinary field of men's and masculinity studies, Messerschmidt takes a novel approach in theorizing on masculinity: he looks at its social construction over the life course. In chapters devoted to interviews with what he labels ‘wimps’ and ‘genderqueers’ and content analysis of presidential speeches by Barack Obama and George Bush, the author offers a poignant illustration of the relationship between personal life history and sex, gender, and sexuality construction. Messerschmidt has a long history with this topic, and he draws heavily on his own previously published work, with the result that in places the book seems like a unique form of meta-analysis. That said, he does so with an eye aimed squarely on developing a revised ‘structured action theory,’ one paying particular attention to the intersection of gender, sex, and sexuality in masculinity’s construction. Perhaps Messerschmidt's greatest contribution, however, is found in the conclusion of the book: he provides ten well-thought-out, clearly articulated suggestions for future research on masculinity. Scholars—especially those beginning their careers—will be well served by reading this section closely and heeding the author’s sage advice. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students, researchers, faculty." - CHOICE

"In the final and short concluding chapter, James Messerschmidt advances ten priorities for future directions for masculinity scholars that arise from his analysis of the case studies. It is a fine way to finish the book, and it poses some excellent challenges for future research on men and masculinities. Although perhaps not ideal for complete newcomers to this field of study, in bringing James Messerschmidt’s theoretical and empirical work together in one volume, this book will be of immense value to masculinity and gender studies scholars, especially those who are exploring the research implications of hegemonic masculinity and masculinities as forms of structured action." - Gender And Development

"Basically we get a new way of looking at key concepts and what we see is backed-up by data. By examining new gender practices and the older patterns of dominance, Messerschmidt provides valuable ways of looking at masculinity." - Reviews by Amos Lassen