Introduction

This chapter introduces the rationale for the focus of this book and summarises my research studies that form the basis for the book. I discuss the importance of focusing on men’s health, and specifically on men with long-term conditions. I explain the concept of hegemonic masculinity and discuss the public narrative that men don’t talk about their health. I introduce my work on men with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis, and discuss some of the ways that I’ve found successful in engaging men in health research. Finally, the chapter finishes with a summary of the book structure.