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Saturday, April 6, 2024

The Many Types of Masculinities

Maculinity, says R.W.Connell. is not just one this, and instead we should be talking about “masculinities” in the plural, and here are some examples:

1.  Hegemonic Masculinity: At its core, this concept refers to the configuration of gender practice which embodies the currently accepted answer to the problem of the legitimacy of patriarchy, which guarantees (or is taken to guarantee) the dominant position of men and the subordination of women. It is not necessarily the most common form of masculinity, but rather the form that sustains the dominant social position of men and the subordinate social position of women.

2.  Complicit Masculinity: Refers to men who may not themselves enact dominant forms of masculinity but benefit from the hegemony of men over women. These individuals do not challenge the status quo of gender relations and thus indirectly support the structure of hegemonic masculinity.

3.  Subordinated Masculinity: Masculinities that exist in opposition to or at a lower rank than hegemonic masculinity within the social hierarchy. This often includes masculinities associated with homosexuality, certain racial and ethnic identities, and other non-normative gender expressions, which are marginalized because they do not fit the hegemonic ideal.

4.  Marginalized Masculinity: Focuses on the intersections of gender with race, class, and ethnicity, highlighting how certain groups of men are marginalized within the gender order. This concept emphasizes that while these men may be privileged by gender, they are disadvantaged by other social factors.

5. Protest Masculinity: A form of masculinity adopted by those who feel disenfranchised or disempowered by the socio-economic system. It is characterized by the exaggeration of traditional masculine norms and behaviors (such as toughness and aggression) as a form of resistance against perceived marginalization.

6. Toxic Masculinity: Although not coined by Connell, this term has been used in discussions about hegemonic masculinity to describe cultural norms that can be harmful to men, women, and society overall. It characterizes manhood as defined by violence, sex, status, and aggression, emphasizing the destructive aspects of failing to conform to hegemonic masculinity.

7. Masculinity and Capitalism: Connell has also explored the relationship between masculinity and the economic structure, particularly capitalism. Hegemonic masculinity is seen as supporting and being supported by capitalist economic relations, reinforcing gender inequality through the division of labor and the valorization of certain types of work over others.

8. Global Hegemonic Masculinity: The concept has been expanded to consider the global dimension, where certain forms of masculinity (often those associated with Western, white, middle-class men) are privileged over others on a global scale, influencing international politics, economics, and culture.

9. Hybrid Masculinities: This concept refers to the ways in which some men adopt elements of identity traditionally associated with marginalized or subordinated masculinities, while still maintaining overall positions of gender privilege. It highlights the fluidity and complexity of gender identities and the strategic negotiation of masculinity in contemporary societies.

10. Precarious Masculinity: The idea that masculinity is not an innate attribute but rather a status that must be continually earned and demonstrated through performance. This precariousness can lead to overcompensation through aggressive or dominant behavior.

11. Masculinity and Emotion: Challenges the traditional association of masculinity with stoicism and emotional restraint. It explores how emotional expression and vulnerability are integral to redefining and understanding masculinities in a more nuanced way.

12. The Crisis of Masculinity: Refers to the perceived crisis in traditional male roles and identities resulting from social changes, including the feminist movement, economic shifts, and the changing nature of work. This concept examines how these changes challenge traditional notions of what it means to be a man.