The concept of hegemonic masculinity, formulated by Raewyn Connell more than three decades ago, has been the driving force behind the expanding field of masculinities studies. Hegemonic Masculinity: Formulation, Reformulation, and Amplification provides the first comprehensive overview of the concept—from its original conception to how it has evolved over time. The book also examines some of the most powerful ways the concept is being used in contemporary gender studies.

Hegemonic Masculinity describes the development of the concept, the actual formulation and initial applications of the concept, the eventual reformulation and subsequent applications of that reformulation, and finally, the amplification of the reformulated concept of hegemonic masculinity. The book also includes a chapter theorizing why and how hegemonic masculinities are constructed, and the concluding chapter chronicles the prospects for social change toward more egalitarian gender relations. Hegemonic Masculinity: Formulation, Reformulation, and Amplification brings together for the first time in one volume the history of the concept as well as a discussion and examination of some of the most important research accomplished on hegemonic masculinity over the last thirty years.