Masculinity Studies

Masculinity studies (men's studies) examines men, masculinities, and how they are socially constructed, varied, and related to power.

Scope

It covers the social construction of masculinity, hegemonic and multiple masculinities, men and gender relations, and changing manhood.

Core questions

• How is masculinity socially constructed?
• Why are there multiple, hierarchical masculinities?
• How do men relate to gender power?
• How has manhood changed historically?

Key concepts

• Hegemonic masculinity
• Multiple masculinities
• Patriarchal dividend
• Men and feminism
• Manhood
• Gender relations

Key theories

Hegemonic masculinity

The concept of hegemonic masculinity — multiple masculinities ordered by a culturally dominant form — was first articulated by Carrigan, Connell, and Lee (1985) and developed in Connell's subsequent work.

The history of manhood

Kimmel traced how American manhood has been culturally constructed and contested.

History

Masculinity studies emerged from feminist scholarship, developing the theory of hegemonic and multiple masculinities (Connell) and histories of manhood (Kimmel).

Debates

Are men victims or beneficiaries of gender order?

How to analyse men's costs and privileges within patriarchy.

Key figures

• R. W. Connell
• Michael Kimmel

Seminal works

• carrigan-connell-lee-1985
• connell-1995
• kimmel-1996

Frequently asked questions

What is hegemonic masculinity?

Connell's term for the culturally dominant form of masculinity that legitimates men's dominance, against which other masculinities are ranked.