Cathartic Masculinity in North India and Alternative Meanings of Consumption

Abstract

Delhi-NCR of India has consistently reported one of the country’s highest rates of sexual violence against women, and media has painted Delhi-te men with broad brushstrokes of being inherently aggressive, sexist and a poster-picture of hegemonic masculinity-type. In our study in a University-setting of North Indian men aged 19-32, we find an alternative Cathartic Masculinity type emerging. They are attractive heterosexual men with considerable female fan-following, yet, avoids physical or verbal fights, sensitive in personal relationships, staunch believer of equality between men and women, disciplined hard-working, with suave refined taste without taking metrosexual hues, and believes in an almost Mughal-kind of adab or cultured refined behavior. Consequently their consumption takes different meanings, e.g. sports is not about bodily dominance or aggression, but is almost meditative; pursuit of good things in life like travel or food is not about flaunting but rather satisfies the need for discovering new things, whether it be in a humble rustic small-town setting of India, or the quaint towns of quaint foreign countries. They aspire to balance between personal relationships, home and professional pursuits; and would like to be involved in child-care, cooking and other household chores, even be a house-husband if need be, for better relationships, and being a caring husband and father. Efforts are spent towards discovering and bettering self through hard work and discipline rather than dominating women or men around them.