The encyclopedia will investigate the constructions of masculinity and male identities throughout the history of the United States. It will consider the impact of social, cultural, political, economic, and other historical influences on the male experience, while also exploring categories of age, marital status, race, ethnicity, class, region, and sexual identity, among others.

The entries in the encyclopedia take a comprehensive, A-Z look at the subject, and cover a number of themes, including: Attitudes and Behaviors; Body and Sexuality; Books, Plays, Movies, and TV Shows; Eras, Events and Historical Processes; Family and Life Cycle; Group Identities; Icons/Symbols; Institutions and Organizations; Issues; Movements; People; Theories and Concepts; and Work.

The encyclopedia is intended to serve the needs of the upper-level high school, college undergraduate, and public library market. It will contain approximately 275 articles, ranging from approximately 400 to 2000 words in length.