Sport and Masculinity Flashcards
What happens to non-conforming males in the context of hegemonic masculinity?
Their sexuality and integrity are often questioned, and they may suffer consequences for not meeting masculine ideals.
What are some characteristics of boys who may be marginalized for not conforming to hegemonic masculinity?
Being effeminate, overweight, underweight, or not compensating with other masculine activities (e.g., alcohol, motorbikes).
How are males who do not engage in sports or display femininity treated in sports culture?
They are often met with disdain or openly humiliated by those who embody hegemonic masculinity.
How is homophobia linked to sports culture?
Sporting masculinity is closely tied to heterosexuality, leading to physical vulnerabilities being interpreted as markers of homosexuality.
What are the challenges faced by openly gay athletes in sports?
They risk marginalization and face significant social pressures, making it rare for professional athletes to be openly gay.
What values are emphasized in a ‘culture of harm’ associated with hegemonic masculinity?
Emotionlessness, invulnerability, toughness, and risk-taking behaviors, often linked to alcohol use and anti-intellectualism.
How does hegemonic masculinity impact emotional relationships for men?
It can limit their ability to express feelings, relate to others, and empathize, which may affect their roles as fathers and partners.
What does it mean for males to ‘navigate’ cultural constructions of masculinity in sport?
It refers to how men adapt to societal expectations of masculinity, influenced by factors like class, status, and ethnicity.
How do young, middle-class men often demonstrate their masculinity?
They may showcase their masculinity through success in academic settings, such as school and university.
What alternative ways might some men assert their masculinity outside of education?
Risk-taking behaviors, drinking excessively, or engaging in activities considered traditionally masculine.
What is “mosaic masculinity”?
The process by which men negotiate their masculinity by drawing on fragments of hegemonic masculinity that they are capable of performing (Coles, 2008).
How does class impact the ways men navigate masculinity?
Men from different social classes may have varying resources and opportunities to express their masculinity, affecting their identities and behaviors.
In what ways might ethnicity influence masculine identity in sports?
Cultural backgrounds can shape expectations and expressions of masculinity, leading to different ways of asserting identity within sports contexts
What is hegemonic masculinity?
It is the culturally idealized form of masculinity that sets a standard for how men should aspire to be, characterized by traits like competitiveness and heterosexuality (Connell & Messerschmidt, 2005).
Is hegemonic masculinity a fixed concept?
No, it is not fixed; it is an unstable entity that is continually reproduced and negotiated through social interactions and socialization processes.
How does sport relate to hegemonic masculinity?
Sport is a significant site for male socialization, where boys receive explicit instruction on what it means to be a man, embodying the norms and values associated with hegemonic masculinity (Messner, 1992).
What are some dominant aspects of hegemonic masculinity in sports?
Aspects include sporting prowess, competitiveness, heterosexuality, objectification of women, alcohol use, mateship, and physical force (Coles, 2008).
How are contact sports viewed in the context of hegemonic masculinity?
Contact sports are socially accepted contexts where violence and aggression are legitimized as means to prove oneself (Messner, 1995).
What characteristics define the ‘Kiwi Bloke’?
The ‘Kiwi Bloke’ is characterized by stoicism, superior physical toughness, emotional insensitivity, rugged practicality, and skills like fixing things (Bannister, 2005; Phillips, 1987).
How has the archetype of the ‘Kiwi Bloke’ shifted over time?
While still present, the archetype has become somewhat mythical due to globalization and a greater diversity of masculinities emerging in the public arena since the mid-1990s.
What is a “metrosexual”?
A metrosexual is a straight male who is interested in fashion and personal care, including grooming and fitness (Carniel, 2009).
