Dominant masculinity, otherwise known as hegemonic masculinity, can be defined by separating the two words. Firstly the Oxford dictionary (2016) defines hegemonic as “ruling or dominant in a political or social context” and masculinity as “possession of the qualities traditionally associated with men”. Therefore hegemonic masculinity can defined as the characteristics of men who are the strong, emotionally stable and intelligent leaders of the world.
Hegemonic masculinity is intended to maintain a balance between different "forces" that control the dominance of Masculinity in society. R.W Connell (2005) argued that hegemonic masculinity does not function as a result of total dominance, but functions with particular modes of masculinity sub-ordinating
Hegemonic masculinity is intended to maintain a balance between different "forces" that control the dominance of Masculinity in society. R.W Connell (2005) argued that hegemonic masculinity does not function as a result of total dominance, but functions with particular modes of masculinity sub-ordinating