Review by Choice Review
In this groundbreaking book, the editors present the latest findings on the heretofore vastly under-researched topic of male sex workers. Over the course of 17 chapters by 25 contributors, the editors seek to move beyond presenting male sex work as performed by pathological deviants or as a social problem to be eradicated. Rather, they conceptualize male sex work as "socially legitimate activity" entered into as a rational economic and/or sexual choice by its participants and understood through the lens of occupation or profession. The volume is organized into four sections: "Male Sex Work in Sociohistoric Context," "Marketing of Male Sex Work," "Social Issues and Cultures in Male Sex Work," and "Male Sex Work in its Global Context." Throughout the book, the authors pay particular attention to the role that new telecommunications technology, social media, and forces of globalization have played in the evolution of this line of work. Taken as a whole, the essays and empirical research demonstrate how serious study of male sex workers may assist gender studies scholars when it comes to theorizing issues of masculinity, commodification of the male body, and the social construction of gender, sexuality, and power relations. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Faculty/specialists. --John R. Mitrano, Central Connecticut State University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
This much-needed exploration of male sex work marks the relaunching of Harrington Park Press, a long-standing publisher of gender and queer studies titles. Male sex work has only recently emerged as a subject of serious academic inquiry as treated in this collection of essays, although the lived reality of male sex work permeates history. The essays included, by scholars both established and new, attempt to situate the subject within "the wider social and cultural umbrella under which the male sex industry is now based." Most of the articles are research centered and bring quantitative analysis to historical, national, and cultural events. This research constitutes the most evident strength of the collection, as the public understanding of male sex work has largely been defined by false assumptions, gaps in information, and prejudices. The book is not without flaws though: the unfortunate choice to include photographs of shirtless, muscled men and the sometimes problematic handling of transgender sex workers stand out as two problem areas. Scholars researching male sex work will appreciate this crucial step in the right direction. Illus. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Choice Review
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
