Hegemonic Masculinity

James Messershmidt (1993):

• Males socialised into behaviours that lead to increased levels of criminality

• Messerschmidt argues that masculinity is a social construction and that the dominant form of masculinity can cause criminal behaviours

Hegemonic Masculinity:

• Males are socialised into being providers

• Socialised into showing dominance over others

• Physical strength is valued over intellect

• Heterosexuality bordering on misogyny

• Image is reinforced through media

• Young males are bombarded with images of what a 'real man' is

• Reinforced through these males being seen as desirable to women

How does this cause crime?

• Socialisation into hegemonic masculinity leads to males reacting to perceived challenges to their position

• In education, male pupils react to being treated as subordinate to teachers

• In employment, reactions to employers having positions of authority

• Challenges to masculinity at home - domestic violence

Applications of Hegemonic Masculinity?

• Young males see physicality rather than intellect as pathways to achieving goals

• Representation of masculinity in youth cultures as risk-taking and physical prowess - e.g. gang cultures

• Laddish and anti-school subcultures

Evaluations:

• Changing nature of masculinity - intellect, sensitivity, compassion

• Social class divisions in concepts of hegemonic masculinity and socialisation

• Creates conflict with concepts such as feminism which is seen as a challenge to masculinity

• Links to concepts such as 'toxic masculinity'