Understanding Men and Health Masculinities, Identity and Well-Being

"Though accessible in style, this book is not an easy read. Chapters brim with information and analysis. A lesser author could have written an entire book from the information Robertson squeezes into a single chapter. So insightful is his analysis that he leaves the mind racing with thoughts and ideas."
Nursing Standard

"Men's health texts are hard to find - delighted this text addresses issues like access to health services."
Margaret McLoone, Sligo Institute of Technology, Ireland

"Steve Robertson has written a valuable book that will serve as an excellent introduction to social science perspectives on the links between masculinities and men's health . The book is clearly written and the coverage of existing literature is excellent. I have no hesitation in recommending it to all those wishing to extend their understanding of masculinities and health."
Professor Lesley Doyal, Journal of Men's Health

"This book offers something very different; it is easy to read and is set out in a logical order. The chapters have sub-headings, which enable the reader to either read the book by subject, or from cover to cover depending on reading style. The book offers an excellent description and analysis of concepts and issues relating to gender and its effect on engagement with health services. Each chapter is drawn together with a summary, key points and also additional suggestions for improving practice ... This book is a useful resource and a timely reminder to view each patient or client holistically and in a humane way."
Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing

• How do men understand 'health'?
• What do men consider to be the role of health services in helping them stay well?
• What inhibits or facilitates men's engagement with health services?

Notions about men's health are wide ranging and much is said about the role masculinity plays in creating health outcomes for men. Based on empirical research and data, this book provides an interdisciplinary exploration of the links between men, health policy, gender and masculinity. It also offers explicit guidance for practice for those working in the health field looking to better understand and improve men's health.

Importantly the book:

• Incorporates the views of disabled and gay men to highlight issues of diversity
• Draws out key implications for health promotion work with men
• Includes 'key points for practice' within each chapter

The book uses interviews with men and health professionals, to explore the key aspects of men's health and healthcare delivery. Although set within the UK context, it also has wider resonance as it considers how men conceptualize health, how this becomes embodied, the importance of relationships and emotions in men's preventative health practices, and the socially contingent nature of men's engagement with preventative health care services.

Understanding Men and Health will be of particular interest to academics, students and researchers in nursing, health, sociology and gender studies as well as to pre- registration and post-registration health professionals with an interest in men and health.