This book looks specifically and in depth, for the first time, at masculinity in cheap, lesbian-themed paperbacks of the two decades after WW2. It challenges established critical assumptions about the readership, and sets the masculinity imagined in these novels against the "masculinity crisis" of the era in which they were written.
The key issue of these novels is couplehood as much as sexuality, and the instability of masculinity leads to the instability of the couple. Thompson coins the term "heteroemulative" to describe the struggle that both heterosexual and homosexual couples have in conforming to heteronormativity.
As several of these novels have been republished and remain in print, they have taken on a new relevance to issues of sexuality and gender in the twentyfirst century, and this study will attract readers within that area of interest. A valuable read for sociologists studying gender roles, and social historians of the cold war period in the United States. It is suitable for readers of all academic levels, from undergraduate, through postgraduate, to scholars and researchers, but also for a general readership.
| ISBN: | 9781032727998 |
| Publication date: | 29th August 2025 |
| Author: | Paul Thompson |
| Publisher: | Routledge an imprint of Taylor & Francis |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Pagination: | 194 pages |
| Series: | Routledge Research in Gender and Society |
| Genres: |
Gender studies: men and boys Social and cultural history Literary studies: general Sociology |
This book looks specifically and in depth, for the first time, at masculinity in cheap, lesbian-themed paperbacks of the two decades after WW2. It challenges established critical assumptions about the readership, and sets the masculinity imagined in these novels against the "masculinity crisis" of the era in which they were written.
The key issue of these novels is couplehood as much as sexuality, and the instability of masculinity leads to the instability of the couple. Thompson coins the term "heteroemulative" to describe the struggle that both heterosexual and homosexual couples have in conforming to heteronormativity.
As several of these novels have been republished and remain in print, they have taken on a new relevance to issues of sexuality and gender in the twentyfirst century, and this study will attract readers within that area of interest. A valuable read for sociologists studying gender roles, and social historians of the cold war period in the United States. It is suitable for readers of all academic levels, from undergraduate, through postgraduate, to scholars and researchers, but also for a general readership.
Masculinity in Lesbian 'Pulp' Fiction features in the following genres: Gender studies: men and boys, Social and cultural history, Literary studies: general, Sociology
Masculinity in Lesbian 'Pulp' Fiction is available in Paperback, Hardback
Masculinity in Lesbian 'Pulp' Fiction was written by Paul Thompson and published by Routledge an imprint of Taylor & Francis
Masculinity in Lesbian 'Pulp' Fiction has 194 pages
Yes it is part of Routledge Research in Gender and Society series
£43.19