Gender by Studies of
Masculinity
So, what is masculinity? …
Definition-
The possession of the qualities traditionally associated with men.
Gilmore
describes masculinity as “The approved way of being an adult male in any given
society”.
In society ideas of
masculinity are defined by having tough attitudes and physical strength. This
encourages men to make a specific body image and set of mannerisms that maybe
different from other societies.
Hegemonic Masculinity
Hegemonic refers to the concept of hegemony, which has a
meaning of the social dominance of a certain group. This is a form of
masculinity that tries to maintain a dominant figure over social life in a
society. These are the so called “Real Men” i.e. film star Arnold Schwarzenegger,
rappers such as 50 Cent and current President of America / Entrepreneur Donald
Trump. According to research carried out by Connell, hegemonic masculinity is
associated primarily with heterosexuality and marriage, but also with
authority, strength, and physical toughness. Many critics have argued that,
although hegemonic masculinity appears to be obvious, Connell doesn’t present
satisfactory account of it. This is because she does not specify what would be
a counter-hegemonic. For example, more men are now involved in childcare and
parenting, is this part of a trend against hegemonic masculinity and if so how
can we know what actions constitute hegemonic masculinity in the first place.
Complicit masculinity
Although
hegemonic masculinity is held up as the most prestige form of masculinity, only
a few men can actually live up to it. A high number of men however, still gain
advantage from its dominance. Connell refers to this as the “Patriarchal
dividend” and to those who benefit from it as embodying complicit masculinity.
Some social psychologists wonder how men become embodied complicit masculine’s
if they don’t live up to the hegemonic masculine heights themselves. Connell
says “marriage, fatherhood and community life often involved extensive compromises
with women rather than domination or an uncontested display of authority.” So,
that explains why many men aren’t subordinate to hegemonic masculinity but
engage in relationships of complicity, this means that they go along with
certain aspects of hegemonic masculinity’s power over women and subordinated masculinities.
However, they are unwilling to live up to the ideals of masculinities.
Subordinated masculinity
Among
subordinated masculinities the most important is homosexual masculinity. The
homosexual is seen
The
typical features of masculinity
Gilmore suggests …
Man, the Impregnator- Males are expected to impregnate females. To do this
they are normally required to initiate sexual encounters. They are expected to
compete with other men for the woman of their choice. I.E.- In Sicily,
Masculine honour is always bound up with aggression and potency. A “Real Man”
in Sicily is a man with big testicles.
Man, the Provider- Once the female is impregnated, in most
societies men are then expected to provide for them and their child (or
children). In the Mediterranean “the emphasis on male honour as a domestic duty
is widespread”. Traditionally in Greek peasant villages, the honour of the
father’s rests upon their ability to provide their daughters with large
dowries. Men in New Guinea have their manhood measured partly through their
competence in hunting. Women are not allowed to hunt, and men who fail in
hunting are subject to ridicule and will find it difficult to get a wife.
Man, the Protector- The third way in which most cultures define
masculinity is in men’s roles as protectors. Men must protect their children
and women from other men and any other threats that may appear. I.E- The East
African Samburu tribe males must demonstrate bravery starting from the age of
14. This could go on for 12 years. Firstly, they must have a circumcision (that
is performed without anaesthetic) if he flinches then he shall be shamed
forever. And then the male must then prove himself by rustling cattle from
other tribes, risking himself a beating or even death if he is caught. However,
success confirms he is manly, and this makes him attractive to females and
shows that he capable of protecting and caring for his future family.
Reference list
Connell, R.W. (1987) Gender and Power : Society, the
Person and Sexual Politics (Cambridge : Polity).
Connell, R.W. (2001) The Men and the Boys (Berkeley
and Los Angeles : Allen & Unwin).
Connell, R.W. (2005) Masculinities (2nd edn
, Cambridge : Polity).
Gilmore, D. (1990) Manhood in the Making: Cultural
Concepts of masculinity, Yale University Press, New Haven, CT.
Gilmore, D. (1990) Manhood in the Making: Cultural
Concepts of masculinity, Yale University Press, New Haven, CT.
eng3014-feminism.wikispace.com 2017/2/3
