Introduction I am studying Connell 's concept of hegemonic masculinity because I want to challenge all assumptions about the gender system and raise a series of problems and issues about masculinity. I want to emphasize the plurality and diversity of men 's experiences along the lines of class, race, sexual orientation, and ability. Furthermore, the common misunderstanding of hegemonic masculinity is that the concept is referred to men behaving badly or being hyper-masculine. However, it is possible for an individual or group to be hyper-masculine but still not be seen as an hegemonic man. This paper will address how these identities are constructed through institutions like the media and military. I am studying this in order to further
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Masserscmidt and Connell explain in great depth the origin of the term which was formulated two decades ago by the scholar, Raewyn Connel. Hegemony did not mean violence, although it could be supported by force; it meant superiority achieved through culture and institutions like the media. Hegemonic masculinity is a socially and historically constructed concept that varies with time and within cultures. They stated that gender systems have the role of emphasizing the binaries and rewarding those who fit into the narrow category of the " ideal man". Within the concept of masculinity there is a power hierarchy where there is always someone with additional power and authority. This hierarchy is based on significant social categories like race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, and ability. In contemporary western societies, the ideal man typically includes being a white, middle to upper class, able-bodied, heterosexual man. The men who did not "fit" this criteria were often victims of unequal wages, lack of opportunities, and the inability of accessing social power. The dominant behavior characteristics of the "ideal" man include the following; showing no emotion, being tough and confident, and being violent and aggressive. These characteristics of the hegemonic man are normalized in our society and so are seen as natural and fixed traits of the masculine biology. This concept represses men and it fails to allow other forms of masculinities. Hegemonic masculinity is a kind of hyper masculinity that dominates the hierarchy where gaining respect is connected to these behavioral characteristics. The important roles in constructing this masculinity are from families, peers, and institutions that support dominant messages and police gendered ideals. Masserscmidt and Connell also state that this type of rigid masculinity was often unachievable. Hegemonic masculinity also had influence in
Masserscmidt and Connell explain in great depth the origin of the term which was formulated two decades ago by the scholar, Raewyn Connel. Hegemony did not mean violence, although it could be supported by force; it meant superiority achieved through culture and institutions like the media. Hegemonic masculinity is a socially and historically constructed concept that varies with time and within cultures. They stated that gender systems have the role of emphasizing the binaries and rewarding those who fit into the narrow category of the " ideal man". Within the concept of masculinity there is a power hierarchy where there is always someone with additional power and authority. This hierarchy is based on significant social categories like race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, and ability. In contemporary western societies, the ideal man typically includes being a white, middle to upper class, able-bodied, heterosexual man. The men who did not "fit" this criteria were often victims of unequal wages, lack of opportunities, and the inability of accessing social power. The dominant behavior characteristics of the "ideal" man include the following; showing no emotion, being tough and confident, and being violent and aggressive. These characteristics of the hegemonic man are normalized in our society and so are seen as natural and fixed traits of the masculine biology. This concept represses men and it fails to allow other forms of masculinities. Hegemonic masculinity is a kind of hyper masculinity that dominates the hierarchy where gaining respect is connected to these behavioral characteristics. The important roles in constructing this masculinity are from families, peers, and institutions that support dominant messages and police gendered ideals. Masserscmidt and Connell also state that this type of rigid masculinity was often unachievable. Hegemonic masculinity also had influence in