Chinese Men’s Practices of Intimacy, Embodiment and Kinship
Crafting Elastic Masculinity
By Siyang Cao
ISBN
978-1529212983Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressISBN
978-1529212990Imprint
Bristol University PressISBN
978-1529212990Imprint
Bristol University Press
Chinese Men’s Practices of Intimacy, Embodiment and Kinship
This book explores Chinese young men’s views of manhood and develops a new concept of ‘elastic masculinity’ which can be stretched and forged differently in response to personal relationships and local realities.
Drawing from empirical research, the author uses the term shenti (body-self) as a central concept to investigate the Chinese male body and explores intimacy and kinship within masculinity. She showcases how Chinese masculinities reflect the resilience of Confucian notions as well as transnational ideas of modern manhood.
This is a unique dialogue with ‘western’ discourse on masculinity, and an invaluable resource for understanding the profound social changes that transformed gendered arrangements in urban China.
“Cao’s interview-based analysis is a revelation! It cuts through tabloid panic to reveal that ordinary Chinese men still judge foreign ideas about masculinity against a solid bedrock of conservative Confucian values.” Chris Berry, King’s College London
“This is an engaging book that sheds new light on Chinese masculinity with nuanced and richly textured stories of Chinese men whose diverse and complex experiences and identities often challenge popular stereotypes.” Vanessa L. Fong, Amherst College
Siyang Cao is a Post-doctoral fellow at the School of Social Development at East China Normal University.
Introduction: Approaching Young Men in Urban China
Chinese Masculinities, Identity Formation and Cultural Values
Making the Chinese Shenti : Embodiment and Masculinities in Everyday Lives
You Dandang : Negotiating Masculinity in Practices of Intimacy
Handing Down: Making and Narrating Masculinity through Kinship Ties
Conclusion: Crafting Elastic Masculinity
