Matthew C. Gutmann

An insider perspective on contemporary Mexico, this text examines the meaning of democracy in the lives of working-class residents in Mexico City in 2002. It provides a detailed, bottom-up exploration of what men and women think about national and neighbourhood democracy.

"An important and interesting volume on gender, focusing on the meaning of manhood in Mexico City. Much more than a discussion of machismo, the text challenges the stereotypes of the Latin male and in their place paints a portrait of rapidly changing gender roles"--Handbook of Latin American Studies, v. 57.

"This is the story of three men - a doctor, a soldier and a judge. They are men of rare achievement. The doctor has the gift of saving others but not himself. The soldier disobeys orders and abandons his command post in a bid to die with his men. The judge cares more to uphold a principle than save himself from ruin.All three defy convention in a way that exacts a price.The first two, Dr John Saxby and Brigadier Reginald Miles, destroy themselves. The death of the judge, Peter Mahon, is hastened by his stand for truth and justice on behalf of the victims of New Zealand's worst air disaster"--Publisher information.

In recent years, with the transformation of political economies and the influence of new theoretical frameworks, especially in cultural studies, older approaches to area studies have become increasingly inadequate. This landmark volume charts new territory by demonstrating the limits of neatly demarcating the regions of 'Latin America' and the 'United States'. Perspectives on Las Americas: A Reader in Culture, History, and Representation presents key readings that collectively examine the historical, cultural, economic, and political integration of Latina/os across the Americas. It is the editors' hope that this thoughtful and innovative collection will challenge the barriers between Latina/o Studies and Latin American/Caribbean Studies as approached by anthropologists, historians, and other scholars. Perspectives on Las Americas provides a core text in a variety of settings and will offer instructors, students, and interested readers both the theoretical tools and case studies necessary to rethink transnational realities and identities.