How are masculine identities changing Flashcards
How are Masculine Identities changing? List six ways.
- Socialisation process (primary and secondary)
- Impact of media
- Changes in education
- Changes in workplace
- Rise in equality
- Sexualisation of Masculinity
Is masculinity (Masculine Identity) a social construct?
Yes.
Masculinity is a social construct.
Masculine Identity: Does the patriarchal culture in which men live in differ from culture to culture?
Yes
The patriarchal culture in which men live in differs from culture to culture and therefore our perception of masculinity also differs.
Do Masculine Identities change over time?
Yes.
Masculine identities change over time.
Masculine Identity: Are men seen as the main breadwinner in contemporary society?
Yes and No.
Within contemporary society, where men were seen as the main breadwinners and also the head of the household, the rise of the assertive, career-minded woman has affected this dominant position of a man and therefore their masculine identity. This is at the same time that men’s opportunities in society seem to be diminishing
As Masculine Identity changes men’s opportunities in society seem to be diminishing in the following five ways:
- Underachieving in education compared to girls.
- Traditional employment of manual work is now diminishing and being replaced with service sector industries.
- Women are doing better than men in the labour market, especially the service sector.
- Men’s dominant position in the family is now under threat. In 2012, 65% of all divorces were initiated by women and women are choosing to remain single and childless as they now gain financial independence through careers.
- Equal opportunities policies and laws, independent taxation and equality in pensions have all undermined male power (tax use to be calculated on main income/men’s, welfare payments paid to men etc.).
What did Raewyn Connell argue about Masculine Identity in 2009?
Raewyn Connell (2009) argues that masculinity is now undergoing a change. In addition to the hegemonic (dominant) form of masculinity, there are now a range of alternatives which, although not as high status as hegemonic masculinity, are becoming more accepted.
These are:
Complicit masculinity: New Man, based on equality between genders.
Marginalised masculinity: ‘Crisis of Masculinity’ Increased to the loss of hegemonic identity due to losing job. This is where men feel at the margins of their identity as they cannot gain this through work anymore. Their self-esteem and confidence is low and their status is in decline from before.
Subordinate masculinity: Gay man
What is the definition of Complicit Masculinity from Raewyn Connell in 2009?
Complicit masculinity: New Man, based on equality between genders.
What is the definition of Marginalised Masculinity from Raewyn Connell in 2009?
Marginalised masculinity: ‘Crisis of Masculinity’ Increased to the loss of hegemonic identity due to losing job. This is where men feel at the margins of their identity as they cannot gain this through work anymore. Their self-esteem and confidence is low and their status is in decline from before.
What is the definition of Subordinate Masculinity from Raewyn Connell in 2009?
Subordinate masculinity: Gay man
What is the New Man in terms of Masculine Identity?
The ‘New Man’ is a key change in masculine identity since the 1980’s. This form of masculinity is associated more with being in touch with their feminine side and more emotional, gentle, caring who shares childcare and housewife with his female partner. However, in evaluation of this development, some sociologists argue that this creation is merely the creation of the media and through advertising, giving the impression that all men are now like this. In reality, surveys suggest that although men have increased their work in the domestic sphere true equality is a long way off.
What did Mort propose in 1996 about the growth of the metrosexual man?
Mort (1996) – Growth of the metrosexual man. This is a heterosexual man who is concerned with their image and consequently invest time, money and effort into personal grooming products. David Beckham is a good example. Since 1998, the male grooming market has increased by 800%! 86% if men use moistureriser on a regular basis (2013 Euromonitor International Survey). There is a large growth in the way that men are now concerned with their appearance and body image, with 10% of all plastic surgery now performed on men.
Does the media have a large role to play in changing the Masculine Identity?
Yes.
The media has a large role to play in creating the ever-changing masculine identity. In addition to the creation of the New man, we have also had:
‘The New Lad’: A ‘yob culture’ reaction to the ‘New Man’ – aggressive and violent
‘The New Bloke’: A New Lad that has become a father, but is still being a ‘Lad’ and not looking after the needs of his child.
‘Emo Boy’: A version of the New Man, who reads, appreciates the arts, watches his diet, shows emotions, dresses with care and wears skinny jeans and sweaters.
Discuss the rise of the gay movement.
The rise of the of the gay movement and the growth of anti-sexist ideas have further contributed to the undermining of men’s traditional role, and opened up the possibility for aspects of masculine identity to MERGE with traditional aspects of femininity. This means that men’s identity is a lot more FLUID and DIVERSE today than in the past. A masculine identity is now built on a “MOSIAC IDENTITY” by cherry picking elements that appeal to them (Postmodernism supports this)
Has the New Man lead to the New Lad?
The New Man led to the emergence of the New Lad which was demonstrated as a reaction against the New Man where men were said to be facing anxiety, uncertainty and confusion about what their role and identity is in contemporary society. Gilmore (1991) notes that men’s traditional hegemonic identity of being ‘the provider, the protector and the impregnator’ is now met with insecurity and a loss of purpose.
