The sociology of masculinity only began to assume a real significance from the late 1980s onwards, when it emerged out of the second-wave of feminist research sweeping through American, European and Australasian universities at that time. In theoretical terms, the field draws primarily on sociological and psychoanalytical perspectives, while also connecting to psychological and philosophical understandings. Over the past decade there has also been the surge in the number of publications that focus on aspects of global masculinities. For example, there is now published research into Chinese, Russian, Japanese, Mexican, Indian, Caribbean, French, Spanish and African masculinities. Within the US there is also a burgeoning literature on Black and Latino masculinities in numerous contexts. Therefore, while the proposed collection will cover the primary concepts and discussions which have come to inform this field of study over the past thirty years or so, it will also reflect new debates and new areas of research from across the world. The aim is to include cutting edge articles, which will fully reflect the state of research into men and masculinities up to publication in 2006. The collection will include examples from every key writer and researcher who has contributed to this field over the past three decades, thereby reinforcing its durability and value in the market.