Material Masculinities

Men and Goods in Eighteenth-Century England

Ben Jackson

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Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Manchester University Press
01 May 2025

History of art & design styles: c 1600 to c 1800; Modern history to 20th century: c 1700 to c 1900; Social & cultural history; Material culture; Gender studies: men

Series: Gender in History

Material Masculinities examines the material and consumer practices of over 1000 men from the middling and upper ranks of eighteenth-century society, c.1650-1850. It draws upon evidence from over 35 archives and museum collections to detail how material objects were integral for men in forming identities and shaping experiences. For men of all social ranks, ages, and geographic locations, material knowledge was imperative for masculine social identities to operate in a commercial society. Before the centralised factory and widespread mass-produced goods, men personalised and repaired their goods; products were shaped by men's attitudes and concerns. Objects were tools in men's identity formation and the exercise of social and gendered power. There was a reciprocal relationship between men and goods in this period; men were active agents of material and commercial change driving product and aesthetic innovation.

By: Ben Jackson
Imprint: Manchester University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 138mm,
ISBN: 9781526180605
ISBN 10: 152618060X
Series: Gender in History
Pages: 304
Publication Date: 01 May 2025
Audience: General/trade , College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , ELT Advanced , Primary
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Introduction: Masculinities and materialities 1 Boyhood: Playing at manhood 2 Householder: Furnishing the home 3 Mobile man: Travelling in style 4 Discerning consumer: Possessing the self 5 Gentleman sportsman: Collecting trophies Conclusion: Making men Select Bibliography Index -- .

Ben Jackson is a British Academy Research Fellow at the University of Manchester.

Reviews for Material Masculinities: Men and Goods in Eighteenth-Century England

“This is an excellent book. Material Masculinities is the most wide-ranging account to date of men’s material experience in the eighteenth century, taking in the whole lifecycle and a fascinating array of goods. This perspective enables Jackson to present significant conclusions about the nature of gender, material culture and the body.” - Matthew McCormack, University of Northampton -- .