In this book, one of the leading contributors to the growing debate about men, masculinities and sexual politics, Victor J Seidler, criticizes the Enlightenment coupling of white, heterosexual masculinity with 'reason'. He argues that in modern society masculinity can never be taken for granted. Men must always prove that they are 'man enough' to cope in the 'correct' way with the problems and challenges of everyday life. Seidler believes that men have to break this chain of obligations to the Enlightenment notion of masculinity.
One promising front in developing change is to pursue men's relationship with feminism as well as with different masculinities. Through engaging with men's diverse relationships with their bodies, sexualities, emotional lives, feelings and desires, Seidler explores ways of affirming masculinities while critically engaging with the power that men have in the wider society.
The book is also a contribution to antisexist politics. Seidler is interested in taking on those forms of men's politics which find it difficult to engage with men's power and society and also those who take it for granted that male power is normal and natural. He seeks to recognize both the power that white, heterosexual masculinities have in shaping forms of philosophy and social theory while at the same time recognizing that masculinity cannot be simply defined as a relationship of power. Men have to be able to accept themselves as men if they are to be involved in a meaningful process of change.