Gender, Masculinity, and Reproduction: Anthropological Perspectives

Abstract

Recently, men’s reproductive health has become an explicit focus of population and development programs and policies. Anthropological research suggests that understanding men’s reproductive health needs and problems requires investigation of both local biological and cultural variation. Taking a biosocial perspective on human reproduction, we examine contributions from biological and cultural anthropology concerning men’s reproductive health. Biological anthropologists have demonstrated important variations in men’s reproductive physiology. Cultural anthropologists have explored intersections between masculinity and health, men’s experiences of fatherhood, and reproductive problems such as infertility. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of an anthropological perspective for future research on men’s reproductive health.