Hegemonic Masculinity Flashcards

Hegemonic Masculinity Overview

• Developed by RW Connell, hegemonic masculinity highlights masculinity as a social construct.
• Hegemonic masculinity sets the standard against which other forms of masculinity are measured, placing them in subordinate positions.

Social Hierarchies

• Constructed in relation to subordinated masculinities, which may be influenced by race, class, or sexuality.
• A hierarchy exists among men and also between men and women, perpetuating gender inequalities.

Definition by RW Connell

• Represents a configuration of gender practices that legitimizes patriarchy, ensuring men's dominance and women's subordination.

Dynamic Phenomenon

• Hegemonic masculinity is not static; it evolves over time, reflecting changes in societal norms and values.

Characteristics in Western Societies

• Common traits associated with hegemonic masculinity include:
  • Heterosexuality
  • Muscular prowess
  • Aggression
  • Occupational success
  • Use of violence
  • Subordination of women

Responses to Subordination

• Men in subordinate positions may redefine their masculinity through means such as intimate partner violence, reinforcing their perceived dominance.

Resource Dependence

• The inclination to use violence as a means to assert masculinity is contingent on the availability of other resources to men.

Crime as Performance

• Crime is viewed as a masculine performance, allowing socially marginalized men to strive for hegemonic masculinity.

Oppositional Masculinity

• Coined when men fail to achieve hegemonic masculinity through conventional means; they may exhibit hyper-masculinity.
• Engaging in crime can represent a form of oppositional masculinity, serving as an avenue to assert their identity.

Core Practices

• Central to hegemonic masculinity are practices that endorse:
  • Violence as a method of control
  • Heterosexual relationships as a validation of masculine identity

Explore the concept of hegemonic masculinity through our flashcards. Learn about its social construction and its relationship to subordinate masculinities based on various factors like race, class, and sexuality. Perfect for students of sociology and gender studies.