What is Masculinity? Why Does it Matter? And Other Big Questions

This aim of this excellent non-fiction book for children and teenagers is to encourage them to think independently about issues relating to masculinity. It does not provide answers, but rather poses thought-provoking questions, such as ‘Have you seen adults treating boys and girls differently?’, ‘How do you think it feels to be bullied?’ and ‘Do we need terms like gender, masculinity or femininity?’

Each chapter explores a different area, such as the role masculinity plays in the world of work, politics, sexuality and mental health, including suicide. There are also a number of statements from individuals, who discuss how their personal experiences of masculinity have shaped their lives, decisions and outlook.

This timely book in the excellent And Other Big Questions series explores what it means to be a man in today’s society and considers positive and negative aspects of masculinity. Designed to encourage readers to develop critical thinking skills, it provides them with the knowledge and confidence to question stereotypes and socially accepted conventions.

A superb reference book, it includes a contents page, useful glossary, index and further reading suggestions, making the book a marvellous introduction to the concept of masculinity for young people.

Younger children may struggle with some of the terminology used, hence the recommended reading age of 9+.  The book also deals with some fairly grown-up topics, such as sexuality and homophobia, but always does so in a sensitive, age-appropriate way that serves as an introduction.