Introduction -- Some background debates -- Representations of gender in the past -- Representations of gender today -- Giddens, modernity and self-identity -- Michel Foucault : discourses and lifestyles -- Queer theory and fluid identities -- Menبs magazines and modern masculinities -- Womenبs magazines and female identities -- Directions for living : role models and self-help discourses -- Exploring identity stories -- Conclusions.