Men's Friendships

Current and much-needed, this book offers an analysis of the social forces which shape the way friendship is organized. Through varying perspectives, contributors show that a variation exists within--as well as between--the genders. They focus on diversity in menâ²s friendships, and how men develop and maintain friendships with other men and women. Part I focuses on philosophical and historical questions; Part II illustrates the strong connection between social structure and menâ²s friendships; and the final chapters consider cultural diversity. Menâ²s Friendships reorganizes existing knowledge and introduces fresh perspectives within the framework of menâ²s studies. This volume is sure to stimulate debate, raise questions, and offer suggestions for future research. "A very interesting collection, particularly those on black menâ²s relationships--where the author compares working class and middle class black American menâ²s relationships--a history of friendship and the changing nature of menâ²s intimacy and power, and intimacy and sexuality in male athletesâ² friendships." --Working with Men "Theory and research on menâ²s studies are alive and well, and Peter Nardiâ²s edited book, Menâ²s Friendships, is a significant contribution to this literature. The book not only provides a useful account of how men develop and maintain their friendships, it introduces a variety of rigorous approaches (historical, sociological, and cross-cultural) to examine this topic." --Journal of Menâ²s Studies "Provides a thought-provoking, multifaceted look at how men handle friendship under a variety of conditions. . . . Some of the authors present data-based research findings; others give reflective integrative essays. General readers, undergraduate students, and above." --Choice "Theory and research on menâ²s studies are alive and well, and Peter Nardiâ²s edited book, Menâ²s Friendships, is a significant contribution to this literature. The book not only provides a useful account of how men develop and maintain their friendships, it introduces a variety of rigorous approaches (historical, sociological, and cross-cultural) to examine this topic. . . . Menâ²s Friendships is not only an important contribution to menâ²s studies, it is necessary reading for anyone interested in studying friendships." --The Journal of Menâ²s Studies "Overall, this book demonstrates the vitality of research and theory on menâ²s friendships. Menâ²s Friendships is not only an important contribution to menâ²s studies, it is necessary reading for anyone interested in studying relationships." --Personal Relationships Issues "The anthology . . . provides an excellent overview of the permutations of menâ²s friendships. It is both tightly organized and wide ranging, a particularly difficult accomplishment for a collection. . . . Menâ²s Friendships is one of the most interesting additions to the growing friendship literature. It significantly opens up the debate over gender differences in friendship--both within and between genders." --Masculinities