Hegemonic masculinity

Definition

Hegemonic masculinity refers to the dominant form of masculinity that is culturally exalted and often associated with traits like authority, aggression, and heterosexuality. This concept plays a crucial role in shaping social norms and expectations regarding gender roles, influencing how masculinity is represented and perceived in media, as well as how it interacts with race and sexuality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hegemonic masculinity establishes a hierarchy among different types of masculinity, often marginalizing those who do not conform to its ideals.
2. In media representations, hegemonic masculinity often manifests through portrayals of men as tough, unemotional, and dominant, shaping societal expectations for male behavior.
3. The concept highlights how societal pressures lead men to conform to certain masculine ideals at the expense of their own emotional well-being.
4. Hegemonic masculinity is not static; it evolves over time in response to changing cultural contexts and social movements.
5. This form of masculinity can perpetuate inequalities by reinforcing gender stereotypes and maintaining power dynamics that favor men over women and non-binary individuals.

Review Questions

• How does hegemonic masculinity influence the portrayal of male characters in contemporary media?
  • Hegemonic masculinity heavily influences how male characters are depicted in media, often portraying them as strong, assertive, and emotionally restrained. These portrayals reinforce societal expectations that equate masculinity with dominance and aggression. Consequently, characters who do not fit this mold are frequently marginalized or portrayed negatively, which shapes audience perceptions of what it means to be a 'real man' in society.
• Discuss the role of hegemonic masculinity in maintaining gender inequalities in society.
  • Hegemonic masculinity plays a pivotal role in sustaining gender inequalities by promoting a hierarchy that privileges certain expressions of masculinity while devaluing others. This creates an environment where behaviors deemed 'feminine' or non-conforming are looked down upon. By establishing norms around how men should behave, hegemonic masculinity perpetuates stereotypes that justify unequal treatment of women and non-binary individuals, thereby reinforcing systemic power imbalances.
• Evaluate the impact of changing cultural attitudes toward masculinity on the concept of hegemonic masculinity.
  • Changing cultural attitudes toward masculinity are challenging the traditional concept of hegemonic masculinity by promoting more inclusive definitions that allow for emotional expression and vulnerability among men. Movements advocating for gender equality are pushing back against rigid standards, leading to greater acceptance of diverse masculinities. This shift may weaken the dominance of hegemonic masculinity over time, creating space for healthier expressions of gender that benefit all individuals regardless of their gender identity.

Related terms

Toxic Masculinity: A cultural concept that describes certain traditional male norms that can be harmful to both men and society, such as the suppression of emotions and the promotion of violence.

Intersectionality: A framework for understanding how various forms of social identities, like race, gender, and class, intersect and contribute to unique experiences of oppression or privilege.

Patriarchy: A social system in which men hold primary power, dominating in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property.