This book provides an emic account of how people conceptualize masculinity in China, and how it affects men’s lives and their relationships.

I draw on the concept of hegemonic masculinity made known by sociologist Raewyn Connell. According to Connell, hegemonic masculinity is a cultural ideal that legitimizes and naturalizes the interests of powerful men, and which creates hierarchical relationships between men and between the two genders.

The type of hegemonic masculinity that I argue has gained growing significance in China is the “able-responsible men”. This masculine ideal is defined by a combination of ability (nengli) and responsibility (zeren).

Most scholars who consider gender-related topics in China since the late 1980s have suggested a desired form of manhood that is coupled with wealth. The earlier reform-and-opening-up era in China has led to this rise of a ‘moneyed elite’ as the dominant male ideal. I argue in my book that even though financial power remains a critical factor defining masculinity, it has become a necessary but not sufficient condition for a man of honour; an equally important dimension is responsibility.

Material wealth, such as properties and cars, is a visible sign of a man’s ability. A more subtle, but fertile, ground for demonstrating ability is how a man uses his time. Leisure, entertainment, and engagements in large and small investment projects, are important too. These all point to one’s consumption power. Apart from this, there was a growing discourse in China on the cultivation of responsibility and self-discipline in society. This leads to a second dimension in defining manhood – responsibility as a son, father, husband, son-in-law, kinsman, and a national subject.

Book Reviews

‘In this richly informative book, Dr Wong gives us an intimate picture of masculinities in a contemporary Chinese city. She explores the role of wealth in definitions of masculinity, the moral dimension in gender imagery, the changing desires of women, and the role of the state ––including a striking account of the gender strategies of President Xi. More than a local study, this book provides valuable ideas for understanding gender, men, and masculinities in the contemporary world.’

—Raewyn Connell, University of Sydney

‘Magdalena Wong asks wonderful, original questions. Her study might be one of the most pioneering investigations into Chinese family relations I have read. The strength of her book lies in its insight into kinship and cultural continuities and changes. The rich, nuanced case studies can make her book become an important addition to our ongoing studies on Chinese family.’

—William Jankowiak, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

‘Despite its caveats discussed in depth, Wong considers the able-responsible man model essentially benevolent. Wong partly attributes this positivity to women’s role in shaping the ideal that benefits them because of its emphasis on men’s family responsibility. This positive take might generate debate among scholars of hegemonic masculinity.... Regardless, Everyday Masculinities is an important work to be read by researchers interested in families and gender relations in contemporary China. Given its high readability, it is also appropriate for undergraduate courses on family and gender in anthropology, sociology, and Asian studies.’

—Hiromi Taniguchi, University of Louisville