One of the Boys? Changing Views of Masculinity in New Zealand

One of the Boys? Changing Views of Masculinity in New Zealand examines the evolution of male identity in New Zealand society from colonial times through the late 20th century. Michael King draws on historical records, personal accounts, and cultural analysis to track shifts in how masculinity has been defined and expressed. The book explores key societal influences on New Zealand male identity, including rugby culture, wartime service, pioneer values, and relationships with women and indigenous Māori communities. King incorporates interviews and case studies that illustrate how individual men have navigated changing expectations around manhood. The narrative follows chronological developments in areas like education, sports, family life, and the workplace, showing how traditional masculine ideals have been both reinforced and challenged. King examines specific historical events and social movements that impacted men's roles and self-perception. This cultural history reveals tensions between old and new concepts of masculinity in New Zealand, raising questions about gender identity, social power, and national character that remain relevant for contemporary discussions. The work provides a framework for understanding how masculine ideals develop within specific cultural contexts.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Michael King's overall work: Readers consistently highlight King's ability to present complex historical topics in clear, engaging prose. Reviews frequently mention his balanced treatment of both Māori and Pākehā perspectives. What readers liked: - Clear writing style that makes history accessible - Detailed research and factual accuracy - Fair representation of different cultural viewpoints - Personal anecdotes that connect historical events to modern life What readers disliked: - Some find his early works dated in their cultural perspectives - Academic readers note occasional oversimplification of complex issues - Several reviews mention uneven pacing in longer works Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: "The Penguin History of New Zealand" - 4.2/5 from 312 ratings - Amazon: Average 4.5/5 across all works - Library Thing: 4.0/5 average rating Reader quote: "King writes history like a storyteller, not a lecturer" - Goodreads review Critical note: "Sometimes sacrifices depth for accessibility" - Amazon reviewer

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Making Modern Men: The Men's Movement in New Zealand by Brendan Gough The work documents the development of men's groups and shifting masculine identities in New Zealand from the 1970s through the 1990s.

Southern Men: New Zealand Men from the 1970s by Steve Braunias The book presents photographs and narratives that capture the changing face of New Zealand masculinity through portraits of working men, farmers, and urban professionals.

🔷 Michael King was one of New Zealand's most prominent historians, writing more than 30 books before his death in a car accident in 2004. 🔷 The book explores how New Zealand's masculine ideals shifted from the rugged "Man Alone" archetype of early settlers to more diverse expressions of manhood in modern times. 🔷 New Zealand's rugby culture played a significant role in shaping national masculine identity, with the All Blacks team becoming a symbol of idealized male behavior and strength. 🔷 The book was published in 1988, during a period of significant social change in New Zealand when traditional gender roles were being increasingly questioned and challenged. 🔷 King draws on personal experiences growing up in 1950s New Zealand to illustrate how boys were expected to suppress emotions and maintain a tough exterior to be considered "real men."