Social Construction of Masculinity Masculine Ideologies Assumptions of

Social Construction of Masculinity & Masculine Ideologies

Assumptions of masculinity is socially constructed • First, masculinity is not a biological trait, but rather a performed social identity. • Second, masculinity is not experienced the same way by all groups of men, and no one dominant masculine form persists across all social settings; rather, multiple masculinities are situated in sociocultural contexts (Kimmel & Messner, 2007).

Social Construction of Masculinity (Recap Lecture 2) The social construction of masculinities is a perspective that emphasizes the influence of: • social interactions • social contexts • social structures (Harris, 2010).

Masculine Ideology • Social construction of masculinity, masculinity ideology refers to the traditional and socially constructed definition of masculinity at a given time in history and culture (Thompson & Pleck, 1995) and that definition is the standard by which many males measure personal masculinity. • Masculine ideology includes the cultural norms that define masculinity, expected male behaviors, and the individual’s internalization of such norms and expectations.

Cultural norms & Masculine Ideology • The cultural norms that make up the masculine ideology describe men as being breadwinners and responsible heads of household); anti-feminine ; heterosexual, with heterosexuality as the normative sexual orientation; homophobic; a person with high status and confidence; violently tough and physically strong (Thompson & Pleck, 1986). • These traits support an acceptance of a hegemonic society and are critical components of the belief about what it is to be a man in the United States (Thompson & Pleck, 1995).

Traditional Ideology Vs Trait Approach • The first perspective, which Thompson and Pleck (1995, p. 130) referred to as the trait approach, presents masculinity as a cluster of socially desirable attributes thought to differentiate males and females and is measured by assessing traits via self-concept ratings such as the Bem Sex Role Inventory (Bem, 1981) and the Personal Attributes Questionnaire (Spence & Helmreich, 1978). • The trait approach presumes that what differs is the degree to which individuals exemplify idealized masculinity.

Social Ideology Vs Normative Approach • The second perspective, referred to as the normative approach, emphasizes the social norms sanctioning men and recognizes that there is no single standard for masculinity or an unvarying masculinity ideology. • Thompson and Pleck (1995) proposed that “normative perspectives. . . view masculinity as a culturally based ideology scripting gender relations, attitudes, and beliefs” (p. 130).

• Thompson and Pleck’s (1995) reviewed that societal-wide, regional, and local masculinity ideologies based on both cultural traditions and social practices. • From this perspective masculinity ideologies are properties of particular times, places, and groups, not individuals.

• Rather, hegemonic masculinities are the most widely accepted forms of being a man as defined by the historical era, social institution, or community. • In sum, the starting point for the normative approach is that masculinity ideologies are external cultural standards, and one is hegemonic at some point, for some men.

Traditional Hegemonic Masculinity • The dominant culture’s image of what it means to be a man(Kimmel, 2004). • This traditional definition of masculinity is hegemonic because the embraced system of beliefs and practices about masculinity essentially harm us (Kimmel & Davis, 2011) due to the misogyny and homophobic tendencies that are included (Connell, 2005).

• Misogyny, the hatred, dislike, or mistrust of women, is expressed through violent acts against women, such as domestic violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape. • Homophobia, a central organizing principle of manhood, is more than the irrational fear of gay men, but really the fear of being perceived as gay.

Four fundamental rules of masculinity According to Brannon (1976), illustrate how misogyny and homophobia are reinforced: • No Sissy Stuff - males should be strong and avoid behavior that equates with being feminine or gay, such as showing fear, sadness, weakness, or emotion; • Be the Big Wheel - males should prioritize success, status, power, and wealth; • Be a Sturdy Oak - males should be reliable and steadfast; • Give ’em Hell - males should live independently, seek risk and adventure, and disregard others’ opinions.

• The traditional definition of masculinity encourages males to be emotionally restrictive; seek power, control, and competition; avoid affectionate and sexual interaction with other men; and defines personal success through work status and financial gain. • As men subscribe to this traditional definition, they are viewed as normal, and anything that deviates from that norm is defined as deviant (Brannon, 1976).