Description
Book SynopsisThe twenty-first century has seen the emergence of a new style of man: the metrosexual. Overwhelmingly straight, white, and wealthy, these impeccably coiffed urban professionals spend big money on everything from facials to pedicures. Yet as this study reveals, even as the industry encourages men to invest more in their appearance, it still relies on women to do much of the work.
Trade Review"A deep examination of the rise of male beauty culture." * The New York Times *
"Though the grooming work and shop floor are evocative, Barber's attention moves beyond hair to the social exchanges that take place … bringing together emotional labor, aesthetic labor, and physical labor, all the while highlighting the role of sexuality." * Gender & Society *
"A well-researched contribution to the sociology of work, gender studies, and consumer culture … Highly recommended." * Choice *
"Barber's book innovatively combines theories of work, gender, and culture. It makes a significant contribution to masculinities research. Anyone teaching or conducting research on gender, social class, qualitative methods, work, inequalities, and culture will find this book to be compelling. It is nuanced and rich in detail." * Men & Masculinities *
"What does it mean that contemporary men are going to salons, getting their nails done, or dyeing their hair? Kristen Barber examines how these practices are intimately related to shifting definitions of masculinity, and actually buttress gender, race, and class inequalities. A compelling and colorful read." -- C.J. Pascoe * author of Dude, You're a Fag: Masculinity and Sexuality in High School *
"Barber provides excellent insight into how women groom men while upholding their gender and class identities, and how masculinity and beauty are not at odds with each other. Truly a pleasure." -- Jamie Mullaney * author of Paid to Party: Working Time and Emotion in Direct Home Sales *
How it became OK for guys to take care of themselves: an interview with Kristen Barber [http://goo.gl/o3qExa] * NPR's Marketplace *
Why barbershops are disappearing: And what it means that some still thrive by Kristen Barber [http://goo.gl/mN4nWW] * The Houston Chronicle *
The End of the Barbershop?: An Interview with Kristen Barber [goo.gl/CgX0Zv] -- Word of Mouth * New Hampshire Public Radio *
"Barber’s book innovatively combines theories of work, gender, and culture. It makes a significant contribution to masculinities research. Anyone teaching or conducting research on gender, social class, qualitative methods, work, inequalities, and culture will find this book to be compelling. It is nuanced and rich in detail" -- Patti Giuffre * SAGE Pub *
What’s the Deal With That Guy’s Fluffy Hair? by Thomas Vinciguerra * New York Times *
"New barbershops cash in on male grooming trend" interview with Kristen Barber * Marketplace *
"How the ‘Wife Beater’ Tank Top Became A Marker of Class, Ethnicity and Domestic Abuse" by C. Brain Smith * Mel Magazine *
"A well-researched book." * Journal of American Culture *
"Why So Many Men Chase Skirts, But Won't Wear Them" by Nora Whelan * Playboy *
"A salon of his own: Men don't play second fiddle here," by Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, * LoHud.com *
"A salon of his own: More than just manscaping," by Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy * USA Today *
"A Short History of Manly Beauty Products for Masculine Men," by Hazel Cills
https://jezebel.com/a-short-history-of-manly-beauty-products-for-masculine-1834956610 * Jezebel *
"A cut above: Traditional barbershops are back," by Dave McGinn
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/article-a-cut-above-traditional-barbershops-are-back/
* Globe and Mail *
"WHAT EXPENSIVE MEN’S HAIRCUTS ARE REALLY SELLING YOU" by Quinn Myers
https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/expensive-mens-haircut-worth-it * Mel Magazine *
"Masculinity During A Pandemic: How Haircuts And Face Masks Got Political" an interview with Kristen Barber
https://www.wortfm.org/masculinity-during-a-pandemic-how-haircuts-and-face-masks-got-political/ * "A Public Affair," WORT *
Table of ContentsContents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1 Men and Beauty: The Historical Expansion of an Industry2 Rocks Glasses and Color Camo: Selling Beauty to Class-Privileged Men3 Heterosexual Aesthetic Labor: Hiring and Requiring Women Beauty Workers4 Hair Care: Emotional Labor and Touching Rules in Men’s Grooming5 “We’re Men’s Women”: Occupational Choice Narratives of Sameness and Difference
Conclusion
Appendix A. Class, Gender, and the Economy in the Study of Men’s Salons
Appendix B. Participant Demographic Information
Bibliography
Index
