Masculinity in Media

Week 8: Masculinity in Media

Hegemonic Masculinity

  • Definition: Hegemonic masculinity is a dominant cultural ideal characterized by authority, control, and emotional restraint.

  • Key Features:

    • It marginalizes alternative masculinities, reinforcing a singular, oppressive standard.

    • Media Examples:

    • Old Spice: Portrays a hyper-masculine, strong, self-confident “ideal man.”

      • Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owGykVbfgUE

    • AXE: Features a dominant, heterosexual, controlling male figure.

      • Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9tWZB7OUSU

    • Heroic/Hegemonic Masculinity: Exemplified by Captain America, who embodies altruism, leadership, and emotional control.

      • Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JerVrbLldXw

R.W. Connell’s Masculinities (1995)

  • Masculinity Types:

    • Hegemonic Masculinity:

    • Definition: The culturally exalted form of masculinity that legitimizes male dominance and patriarchal power.

    • Key Features: Authority, dominance, heterosexuality, and social prestige; sets normative standards for other masculinities.

    • Complicit Masculinity:

    • Definition: Masculinities that do not fully embody hegemonic ideals but still benefit from the patriarchal order.

    • Key Features: Receives the “patriarchal dividend”; supports the system indirectly; does not actively enforce dominance.

    • Marginalized Masculinity:

    • Definition: Masculinities disadvantaged by structural factors such as race, class, and disability, yet partially aligned with hegemonic ideals.

    • Key Features: Limited access to hegemonic power; shaped by the intersection of gender with other inequalities.

    • Subordinated Masculinity:

    • Definition: Masculinities that are actively oppressed or devalued by the hegemonic form.

    • Key Features: Often associated with gay, effeminate, or non-normative men; positioned at the lowest level of the gender hierarchy.

Toxic Masculinity

  • Origin and Definition:

    • Coined in the 1980s by psychologist Shepherd Bliss. First discussed in academic literature in 1990.

    • Norms linking masculinity to aggression and dominance.

  • Characteristics:

    • Reproduced in films, gaming, sports, and advertisements.

    • Reflects harmful societal expectations.

  • Case Study:

    • Euronews – Cry Like a Boy: Examines what toxic masculinity entails.

Masculinity and Influencers

  • Adolescence and Online Impact:

    • Netflix series focuses on young men’s experiences.

    • Andrew Tate Case Study:

    • Promotes a version of masculinity rooted in misogyny, dominance, and aggression.

    • Targets women as inferior or property, attributing negative male behaviors to them.

    • Tate's appeal lies in his portrayal of wealth and success, embodying a hyper-masculine ideal; attracts young followers due to his confident, unapologetic persona.

    • Teachers notice increasing incidents of harmful gender norms among students influenced by online personalities.

Inclusive Masculinity

  • Eric Anderson (2009):

    • Key developments include declining homophobia and the emergence of softer, more emotionally expressive masculinities.

    • Inclusive masculinity allows for the coexistence of multiple masculinities without stigma.

  • Key Concepts:

    • The term "performative man" describes Gen Z males who intentionally adopt a soft, sensitive, and emotionally aware aesthetic, signaling a rejection of toxic masculinity.

Alternative Masculinity Models

  • Men’s Talking Circles:

    • Examples include the "Men's Circle" and "Andy's Man Club" in the UK.

    • These groups facilitate men sharing feelings and vulnerabilities in a safe environment, offering an alternative to toxic masculinity.

    • Present a model of masculinity that is “faithful and supportive.”

Hybrid Masculinity

  • Definition and Characteristics:

    • Involves the selective adoption of marginalized traits while appearing progressive while maintaining male privilege.

  • Manifestations:

    • Seen in fashion and grooming, with influencers integrating elements from marginalized groups while maintaining hegemonic power.

  • Case Example:

    • An influencer adopts feminine clothing and grooming routines, yet continues to assert patriarchal authority, prescribing behavioral norms for women in relationships.

    • This illustrates how the new style can be a repackaged version of traditional power relations.

Comparison of Masculinity Types

Dimension

Hegemonic Masculinity

Toxic Masculinity

Inclusive Masculinity

Hybrid Masculinity

Definition

Dominant, culturally idealized form legitimizing male power.

Extreme expression involving aggression and emotional suppression.

Embraces diversity and emotional openness, rejecting rigid hierarchies.

Selective blend incorporating non-hegemonic elements while retaining privilege.

Power Dynamics

Sustains male dominance.

Reinforces control through intimidation.

Challenges traditional dominance structures.

Maintains privilege under progressive appearances.

Emotional Expression

Limited; emotions seen as weakness except anger.

Centers on emotional suppression and vulnerability stigmatization.

Encourages emotional expressiveness and normalizes vulnerability.

Exhibits emotional openness while sustaining underlying dominance.

Relation to Femininity

Devalues femininity.

Views femininity as weak or threatening.

Does not stigmatize femininity; gender boundaries soften.

Incorporates feminine traits but retains masculine authority.

Relation to LGBTQ+

Often marginalizes LGBTQ+ masculinities.

Actively hostile to non-normative masculinities.

Non-homophobic and inclusive.

Incorporates queer aesthetics while maintaining straight privilege.

Typical Behaviors

Leadership, toughness, competition.

Aggression, misogyny, risk-taking.

Collaboration, care, authenticity, emotional openness.

Fashion and grooming trends fused with undercurrents of entitlement.

Social Impact

Normalizes gender hierarchy.

Harms individuals and communities; reinforces violence.

Expands acceptable expressions of masculinity.

Often conceals existing gender inequality behind progressive façades.

Example

Traditional “strong, provider” male ideal.

Andrew Tate-style rhetoric.

Supportive men’s groups, emotional openness in sports.

Influencers appearing sensitive but retain patriarchal attitudes.

Theoretical Integration

  • Current Context:

    • Discusses the state of hegemonic masculinity today and the role of social media in shaping perceptions.

    • Examines whether hybrid or inclusive masculinities have gained traction in mainstream culture.

    • Explores the concept of neoliberal masculinity in contemporary society.

Suggested Resources

  • Readings:

    • Connell: Masculinities

    • Anderson: Inclusive Masculinity

    • Kimmel: Guyland

    • Bridges & Pascoe: Hybrid Masculinity