"This book takes an in-depth look at three key contemporary issues - health, identity and the body - by exploring how 'ordinary' men talk about their bodies and experience them in a variety of circumstances. Designed to complement the considerable theoretical work on the body over the past decade, Male Bodies draws on qualitative and quantitative data as well as addressing theoretical issues. It demonstrates the importance of developing an empirically and theoretically informed approach to men's health based on an understanding of male embodiment. It will be invaluable to students and researchers in sociology, health, gender and cultural studies, as well as health professionals concerned with men's health."--Jacket.