Masculinities

Question 1

Segal (1990)

Answer 1

“Heterogenius set of ideas constructed around assumptions of social power which are lived out and reinforced, or perhaps denied or challenged”

Question 2

Queer Theory- Judith Butler (1990)

Answer 2

• The binary between masculinity and femininity is a social construct
• Identity is an unconscious performance that is reinforced through repetition
• Identity is not fixed but fluid and changeable

Question 3

Connell (1987)

Answer 3

There is no single, unchangeable masculinity but rather a hegemonic masculinity (dominant form of masculinity with the highest social value, within society at a current time.)

In today’s society this is closely related to whiteness, physical strength, suppression of emotions and high socio-economic status

Question 4

Categories of masculinity

Answer 4

• Hegemonic masculinity- dominant ideology
• Complicit masculinity- doesn’t fit the dominant ideologies but doesn’t challenge them either
• Marginalised masculinity- fits some of the characteristics but not all of the physical ones
• Subordinate masculinity- exhibit qualities that are opposite to the dominant ones

Question 5

Masculinity and Violence

Answer 5

“Violence is both a proof and an expression of masculinity” (Bibbings).

Meidzian- Wrote a book called “boys will be boys” in which she talks about the natural expectation that boys will be more aggressive than girls. From a young age boys participate in ‘rough and tumble’ play and this learnt, aggressive trait is carried with them into adulthood. It has become a social expectation for men to behave more ‘boisterously’ among society. Due to their naturally higher levels of testosterone, males are predetermined to be more aggressive.

Men are also the main victims of violent crime (excluding domestic violence in which they are the main perpetrators) (Office for National Statistics).