Postmodernity and Masculinity

Simon Winlow (2001):

• Winlow examined the impact of globalisation on masculinity and criminality

• Impacts of the decline of traditional male industries in the North East of England

• Focused on the night-time economy and its impacts on criminality

Masculinity as a form of status:

• Traditional employment had allowed males to prove their masculinity through manual labour jobs in heavy industry

• Removal of these industries created a crisis of masculinity, with males looking to assert their masculinity through other forms

‘Badfellas’:

• Winlow conducted observations while working as a doorman in bars and clubs

• Males were able to use 'bodily capital' to demonstrate masculinity

• Gateway to disorganised criminal activities - such as smuggling alcohol and cigarettes to landlords

‘Bodilliy’:

• Maintaining a hard man image was essential to success in these industries

• Body-building became a form of displaying masculinity that had previously come through employment in heavy industry

• Image of hyper-masculinity as a form of intimidation

‘Badfellas’:

• Development of criminal subcultures with legitimate firms involved in protection rackets and supply of illegal substances

• Legal businesses used to launder money - tanning salons and gyms, etc.

• Over time, became more organised and had links to global criminal enterprises

Evaluations:

• Developed ideas of Cloward and Ohlin's criminal subcultures

• Changing nature of security work - more females involved in security

• Reinforces ideas of hegemonic masculinity

• Analysed impacts of neo-liberalism on Northern communities