The differentiation of masculinity as a challenge for the concept of hegemonic masculinity

Abstract

ABSTRACT‘Hegemonic masculinity’ is applied worldwide as the predominant concept in research on men and masculinities. The theoretical and empirical origins of the term can be traced back to the work of Raewyn Connell. Connell suggests that gender is a dynamic process and that gender orders emerge in and through everyday practices and relations. Even though the concept is well established in men and masculinity studies, explanations of the hierarchical relations between forms of masculinities still needs to be reconfigured. This includes questions about the relation between hegemonic forms of masculinity and non-hegemonic masculinity formations as well as about the relation between hegemonic masculinities, masculinity formations that support and strengthen hegemonic masculinity and those that resist and challenge hegemonic masculinity. We propose that the current focus on a vertical structuring of forms of masculinity with hegemonic masculinity at the top, inflates the hierarchical super- and subordination of forms of masculinity. Based on two empirical studies we explore to what extent the transformation of hegemonic masculinity is challenged by the appearance of new legitimate forms of masculinity, which emphasises the ever-changing negotiability of masculinity and a horizontal logic of masculinities.