Over the past two decades, a number of books have been published on the changing nature of men and masculinity in the US across a variety of topical areas—the transition from childhood and adolescence into male adulthood, the educational experiences of boys and young men, the psychological and emotional health of males, and the social and cultural influences on masculinity, among others. In this book, the authors do a superb job of summarizing key findings from past empirical and theoretical contributions in these particular areas. However, their real contribution is their extension of such inquiry and discussion to address the question of what is to be done. As the authors are a veteran team of educators, counselors, coaches, and parents, they masterfully integrate the findings from numerous academic studies into concrete, practical suggestions to promote best practices, policies, and approaches to promote prosocial male behavior, academic and vocational success, and smoother and healthier transition into adulthood and successful fathering. The authors' translation—and transition—from abstract theory to prescriptive praxis is a real strength of this book and a most welcome addition to the important and growing discipline of men and masculinity studies. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students, faculty, and professionals.
— Choice Reviews
Since the first cry of “Girl Power” adolescent boys and emerging adult men have been losing ground in all aspects of their lives. They struggle to find their place in school, community, and even work and look to often absent adult males to fill in the gaps. Masculinity in the Making: Managing the Transition to Manhood reviews existing literature and offers strategies and interventions for these often stuck males so that they can move forward with dignity and strength. The authors take time to review emerging adult theory and the crossroads with therapeutic mentors, as well as how young men navigate college or a career path. A look at how the media and internet influence the emerging male also provide valuable insights to where society is losing ground and how we can change course. Readers will find this book to be a valuable resource that they go back to time and time again.
— Judith L. Klimkiewicz Ed.D, senior consultant for K-12 College/Career Education and Workforce Development, Commissioner's Office, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Masculinity in the Making: Managing the Transition to Manhood provides the framework that allows the reader to learn about up-to-date evidence-based practices that promote positive outcomes from those suffering from behavioral health disorders. The authors demonstrate a solid body of knowledge in research and clinical science that contribute to the betterment of literature in both psychology and medicine. This book is highly recommended for any clinician of any persuasion to learn from or adopt into their own practice.
— Stephen E. Lee, PA-C, DBH, Clinical Professor, Westfield State University, Westfield, MA
Masculinity in the Making: Managing the Transition to Manhood provides an updated look at existing literature and connects it to what it means to ‘be a man’ in society today. The authors bring together theory and application as it relates to the emerging adult, providing a timely examination of just how difficult it is to grow up male. Chapters in the book provide a deep dive into college and career readiness, the path to fatherhood, media portrayals both past and present, as well as a look at male aggression and competition. The book is a balance of topics that together provide a comprehensive picture of the adolescent and emerging adult male that parents, educators, professors, college students, and therapists will benefit from reading.
— Richard B. Holzman, senior advisor for external affairs, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Springfield Center