Desire Work

Desire Work emerges as a genuine and serious description of the challenges and struggles of South African men who must navigate the overlapping layers of societal, cultural, and religious demands as they seek a pathway that allows for faithful, authentic expression of masculinity and sexuality.... Desire Work is strongly recommended to mental health professionals, pastoral theologians, pastor caregivers and other ministry practitioners as a cautionary tale and guidepost, calling for careful consideration and reflection when engaging in the sacred task of transforming and changing lives. -- Eddie L. Journey * Pneuma * The book presents an honest and refreshing account of the methodological challenges of conducting such research. ... [It] will be useful speci?cally to those wanting to understand the ex-gay movement and Pentecostalism as well as to those interested in the intersection of sexuality, gender, and nationality. -- Alex Toft * American Journal of Sociology * There is no doubt that Desire Work is an important book, o?ering the reader glimpses into the wider body of work on the subject. It is written in an accessible, engaging, and compassionate style, and makes a contribution to the ?eld of gender and sexuality studies as well as opening up new avenues for theological exploration. -- Beverley Haddad * Anthropological Forum * Desire Work is a rich and fascinating ethnographic study worth reading by anyone with an academic interest in gender, sexuality, and self-making in evangelical and Pentecostal Christian circles. -- Adriaan van Klinken * H-Africa, H-Net Reviews * Desire Work is a remarkably rich, detailed, and passionate ethnography. . . . As gender studies in Africa continues to grow as a field, this book provides a needed contribution to understanding homosexuality and masculinity among . . . men in the first country in the world whose constitution outlawed homophobic discrimination: South Africa. -- Dianna Bell * Journal of Religion in Africa * Truly unique and fascinating ... Desire Work sheds new light on Africa. . . . Recommended. Graduate students, researchers, and professionals. -- W. Arens * Choice *