Masculinity, Law, and the Family

Masculinity, Law and Familyexamines the construction of masculinity in a variety of areas of law pertaining to the family. Throughout, Richard Collier integrates recent theoretical developments in legal studies with a social theory of gender, the family and the social construction of masculinity. After an overview of theoretical positions and a critique of traditional legal theory, Richard Collier focuses on the legal regulation of homosexuality and transsexualism to show how confined is the view of masculine sexuality in legal discourse. These arguments are further elaborated in a discussion of non-consummation, adultery and divorce, as well as fatherhood and paternity. Masculinity, Law and Familyis of central importance to our understanding of the social and political dimension of masculinity. It will be invaluable to those interested in sociology, gender studies and the law.