The Problems Associated With Hegemonic Masculinity Essay

THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH HEGEMONIC MASCULINITY IN SOCIETY Introduction The discourse of hegemonic masculinity was recently explored to understand the power of men in society (Connell Messerschmidt, 2005). For centuries, men have taken a dominant gender role in society. This has resulted in the oppression of women and the subordination of men who do not confine to the ‘masculine’ norms (Connell Messerschmidt, 2005). This essay explores the discourse of hegemonic masculinity by explaining how it is reflected throughout society, and how it is connected to femininity and other masculinities. The aim is to criticise hegemonic masculinity by explaining the negative pressure it puts on both women and men. Masculinity Hegemony To understand the concrete basis of ‘hegemonic masculinity’ more easily, the terms ‘hegemonic’ and ‘masculinity’ will be deconstructed. ‘Hegemonic’ represents what is dominant and most powerful in a societal or political context (Merriman-Webster, n.d.). ‘Masculinity’ is a socially constructed term that represents behaviour that is socially acceptable for men (Connell Messerschmidt, 2005; Lynch, 2009). Therefore, ‘hegemonic masculinity’ refers to a set of norms and practices that are deemed as the dominant norm for men (Connell Messerschmidt, 2005; Lynch, 2009). Although the term is tied with men, hegemonic masculinity is not tied to the biological form of men. Alternatively, it is a gendered performance which means that its associatedShow MoreRelatedGender And Sexuality Using Cathexis, Analyse And Discuss A Newspaper Article By The Telegraph Essay1643 Words   |  7 PagesIn recent years, masculinity h as been said to be in crisis. This situation entails that men are the new disadvantaged, with mental health issues and suicide rates of men increasing while those of women are decreasing, and are becoming increasingly unable to cope with life in general as shown by CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) (Telegraph Men 2014). Wiegman (2013, p. 32) supports this point, suggesting that through the lens of Hollywood and academics, masculinity has been â€Å"newly marked andRead MoreViolence And Masculinity Of South Africa1578 Words   |  7 Pagesthe average men you see on the way to work (Merten, 2017). This essay will discuss the relationship between violence, masculinity and femicide in South Africa. It will further use the key theoretical contributions of Feminist and Hegemonic Masculinity Theories in assisting us to understand violence against women in South Africa. Gender is a critical social issue as it is associated to exclusion, social equality and abuse. It will structure how a person behaves in mundane activities such as which toiletRead MoreMasculinity in the Workplace Essay examples1028 Words   |  5 PagesMasculinity in the Workplace The concept of masculinity first emerged during the early stages of the modern industrial revolution. With the rapid progress of technology, the conditions of living became better and the traditional definition of masculinity changed. Today, in the modern workplace of America, masculinity is a factor that has to be taken into account by managers and also by employees. It plays a crucial and distinctive role in the way people will interact with each other and shapesRead MoreMasculinity and Gender Roles1232 Words   |  5 Pagesarticle â€Å"Wrestling with Masculinity: Messages about Manhood in the WWE† by Danielle M. Soulliere (2006), examines messages about manhood revealed by televised professional wrestling (Soulliere 1). Messages concerning masculinity and manhood were investigated and compared to the cultural version of masculinity (Soulliere 2006). Soulliere’s research proves that the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) depicts messages, which supports the dom inant hegemonic form of masculinity (Soulliere 2006). To furtherRead MoreMasculinity, Masculinity And Violence1728 Words   |  7 Pagesmany gender systems, masculinity is an expression of male gender that can vary based upon culture and society. Many cultures uphold a set of standards and expectations that an individual must maintain in order to be considered masculine. Several of these expectations can often be dangerous, violent, or even abusive. In particular with a focus on the two-sex, two-gender system of Western, patriarchal society, this paper will investigate the correlation between enforced masculinity and violence. AccordingRead Moreâ€Å"‘Boyz in the Hood’: Masculinities in Native Son†914 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"‘Boyz in the Hood’: Masculinities in Native Son† The novel Native Son by Richard Wright explores many characteristics, with masculinity being one. The main character is displayed with aggressive, violent and insensitive characteristics, which society generally deems as masculine. The word â€Å"masculinities† comes from masculinity, which according to The Oxford Dictionary means, â€Å"possession of the qualities traditionally associated with men†. Also in the title, the name â€Å"Boyz in the Hood† refersRead MoreMasculinity Essay989 Words   |  4 PagesMain idea: High school boys practice compulsive heterosexuality to ensure their masculinity and social status. Compulsive heterosexuality is not particularly associated with sexual orientations, but more to do with behaviors, social interactions, and institutional structures. Male students expressed and measured their masculinity by objectifying girls and their bodies, relentless remarks about sexual conquests, desiring girls, and desired by girls. Being in control of girls’ bodies, overpoweringRead MoreGender Roles And Attitudes Of A Teacher s Practice1189 Words   |  5 Pageshost of rules on how to behave, in men and women. These rules are learned effortlessly and appear as natural. They can easily identify when a person behaves abnormally in relation to sex and they interpret as a violation of its role and as a problem, for the individual and for the society. Obvious anatomical features, physical characteristics and DNA are indicators for gender (female or male).However, there are other possibilities for the sex, such as intersex, and various combinations betweenRead MoreEssay about The Continuation Of Patriarchy In Our Culture1497 Words   |  6 PagesOur culture has created a social system that allows the driving forces of patriarchy to flourish. Although many people may not be purposefully attempting to continue this system of patriarchy, we each play a role in its survival. For many the problem is not that they are promoting patriarchy but that they are not challenging the system. In Johnson’s article â€Å"Patriarchy†, he is not examining whether a patriarchal system exists in our culture but what factors are driving this system to continue. TheRead MoreMilitary Values And The Message Of My Little Pony1058 Words   |  5 Pageslittle difference between military values and the message of My Little Pony. An analysis of how masculinity is constructed in military spaces is needed, followed by comparisons between military beliefs and the themes within My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic will reveal how closely these two value systems closely align with each other. Military service often draws similarities from traditional masculinities because it merits traits that compliment the dominant form’s value system. Because both ideas