"Complicit Masculinity", a term coined by gender sociologist R.W. Connell (in "Masculinities", designates a nuanced landscape of male behaviors and their impact on gender dynamics. It pertains to men who may not actively dominate or demean women, yet indirectly support a gender system that favors men over women. The are, in a sense, wing-men for hegemonic masculinity By not challenging gender inequality, they sustain a system that provides them with advantages, making them complicit in the process.
Consider a man who doesn't dominate women or exhibit macho behavior, but also doesn't intervene or silently agrees when witnessing sexism or gender inequality. His silence and inaction indirectly contribute to the perpetuation of the male dominance system. This is an example of complicit masculinity in action.
The defining characteristic of complicit masculinity is its subtlety. It's not about blatant dominance or aggression. Instead, it's about silently accepting the privileges that come with being part of the dominant group. It involves enjoying the benefits of being a man in a patriarchal society without directly participating in the subordination of women.
In our everyday life, instances of complicit masculinity are not rare. It's the men who remain silent when casual sexism occurs, those who gain from the gender pay gap without questioning it, or those who relish their male privileges without acknowledging the struggles faced by women and other marginalized genders.
Recognizing and understanding complicit masculinity is a significant stride towards achieving gender equality. As long as it persists, the system that favors men is continually reinforced, and gender inequality remains intact. It's crucial for men to not only avoid being complicit but also to actively work towards challenging and dismantling these unfair norms and systems.