Book Club with Alicia Walker

Join MUC and author Alicia Walker on Feb 2nd, 7pm-9pm, for a discussion of her book Chasing Masculinity: Men, Validation, and Infidelity.

Get your free tickets here!
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/chasing-masculinity-with-alicia-walker-tickets-134463426729

Summary of the book: This book analyzes men’s experiences and perceptions regarding their participation in infidelity and offers a glimpse into the inner workings of their most intimate relationships, as well as the ways men negotiate marriages that fall short of their expectations. Using a sample collected from the online dating service Ashley Madison, this book finds that contrary to gendered social scripts, the men in this study described motivations for outside partnerships that were not rooted in the desire for sexual pleasure or variety. Rather, men described those relationships as an outlet to soothe their bruised egos, receive attention and validation from a romantic partner, and to fight their feelings of emasculation. These infidelities thus provide support and praise, and aid in the processing of complex emotions. This in-depth analysis provides a unique insight into men’s experiences of sexuality and masculinity, and will be of keen interest to those seeking to understand male infidelity from a sociological perspective, across gender studies, psychology, counselling, and beyond.

Alicia M. Walker is an assistant professor of sociology. A microsociologist, whose work focuses on sexual relationships and behavior, sexualities, sexual identity, and gender, Walker has particular interest in closeted behaviors and online initiation of sexual relationships. She is credited with creating a sociology of infidelity. She is the author of two books: The Secret Life of the Cheating Wife: Power, Pragmatism, and Pleasure in Women's Infidelity and Chasing Masculinity: Men, Validation, and Infidelity.

This event is open to people of all genders. Participants are expected to have read the book, or otherwise step back and listen. The book is available here. MUC is also ordering a batch, let us know if you want to participate before Monday January 4th to join this order and get 10% off.

The event takes place on Google Meet, in English. There will be autogenerated closed caption. Discussion will cover topics like cheating, masculinity, and sex.