Living the tradition: the formation of gaucho masculine identities over time

Abstract

Identity is a sociocultural construct influenced by markers such as race, gender, nationality, and traditions, and in the gacuho context, beliefs and customs historically transmitted since the colonization of the territory shape masculinities. Manoelito de Ornellas, in his work "Gaúchos e Beduínos: The Ethnic Origin and Social Formation of Rio Grande do Sul" (1956), aims to reclaim the gaucho essence, portraying the man as a courageous, virile, and honorable hero. Thus, a reflection on these values can contribute to the understanding of gaucho masculinities formed through traditionalism. The objective of this study is to reflect on the representations and meanings of gaucho male identities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, based on read and interpretation of Ornellas' work, as well as anthropological references on male identity.