Neither backlash nor fad: The new men's studies

Although men's studies is no longer a novelty on college campuses, it can still raise some bewildered eyebrows and prompt a few explosive reactions. Recently, on a national computer bulletin board used by reference librarians, a request for journals, articles, and books “that analyze drama from a male/masculine perspective” touched off considerable crossfire among respondents. Beneath the hostilities, however, were serious questions and understandable confusions about the topic of men's studies. These concerns suggest that some clarifications concerning the new men's studies might be useful.