Male Identity Research Articles

Theorising masculinity, ageing, and the lived body: the case of prostate cancer.

This article conceptualises how masculinity and masculine ideals are played out in relation to prostate cancer treatment and its side-effects, offering a heuristic and theoretical perspective with which to make sense of the complex interrelationship between lived gendered bodies and social structures. With the support of three case studies of older men treated for prostate cancer, the article explores how the concept of hegemonic masculinity can be used to analyse the ill and ageing body. A phenomenologically informed approach to the body, which illustrates how masculinity is lived and experienced through certain body schemas, is used. The three case studies show variation in how masculinity is enacted and embodied, illustrating actions to (1) restore and maintain masculinity through phallic experience; (2) reconstruct masculinity by connecting bodily experience to notions of the ageing and a less potent body; and (3) to counter narrowly defined notions of masculinity by dissociating or decoupling masculinity from ideals of potency and performance. With the help of the case studies, the strategies identified, and the fluidity and dynamism of the concept of hegemonic masculinity, findings reveal how inequalities between men and women are produced and maintained, in and through bodily experience, and diverse body schemas.

Capitalist messiahs fighting small-mindedness: hegemonic startup masculinity in a semi-peripheral context

PurposeThe aim of this study is to explore the constructions of startup masculinity as a cultural ideal in the specific context of Hungary, a semi-peripheral country in Central and Eastern Europe. Drawing on Connell’s concept of hegemonic masculinity, the paper examines how the construction of startup masculinity, considered hegemonic in a given space and time, subordinates “others”.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a critical discourse analysis of 143 media articles published in the Hungarian print and online Forbes magazine. It builds upon the concepts and theoretical models of hegemonic masculinity, entrepreneurial masculine identities, discursive identity construction and semi-peripherality.FindingsThe study highlights two key findings. Firstly, it reveals that the normative figure of the successful startup founder is not gender-neutral but discursively constructed as masculine, thereby excluding women. Secondly, it emphasises the hierarchical relationship between hegemonic startup masculinity and other masculinities rooted in the semi-peripheral, specifically Hungarian context, which are subordinated in the discourse. Thus, it discursively reproduces not only the hierarchical gendered relations in society, but the symbolical hierarchical relations between the core and the semi-periphery as well.Originality/valueBy examining hegemonic startup masculinity as a subordinating concept within a particular entrepreneurial and geographical context and by illuminating the significance of semi-peripheral locationality in hegemony construction, this paper contributes to both the understanding of masculinity in entrepreneurship literature and the decolonisation of masculinity studies.

Men in the making of nations: understanding the nexus between nation, belonging, and complicit masculinity

ABSTRACT The ideal of masculine Hinduism which is currently being employed within the Indian national rhetoric to sustain and build a modern Hindu Rashtra is a direct consequence of India’s tryst with British imperialism. Since it is men who, as real actors of nationalist movement defend their homeland and the honour of women, the current Indian right wing politics ensures that men continue to uphold the ideals of Hindu hegemonic masculinity defined by martial prowess, muscular strength, moral fortitude and a readiness to battle groups to strengthen the nation. However, while the hegemonic notions of Hindu masculinity are achieved by a small minority who become the public face of gender and sexual politics, the majority are those who reap benefits from such gendered arrangements by being complicit in the hegemonic project. This paper makes an attempt to study the complex interdependencies between hegemonic and complicit masculinities in nation building processes in India. The aim is to uncover how complicit masculinities are created to sustain Hindutva nationalism within the current Indian climate and whether there are alternative possibilities and codes of behaviour in which privileges of masculinity and power are confronted and exposed.

Examining fifty cases of convicted online romance fraud offenders

ABSTRACT This article examines fifty case files of cybercriminals that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) convicted for online romance fraud. It profiles offenders and explores the value of the Space Transition Theory in understanding digital crimes. Through documentary analysis, the study identifies key patterns in victim demographics, fraudsters’ operational strategies, and offenders’ socioeconomic backgrounds. Findings reveal a high concentration of U.S. victims (56%) and a preference among offenders for Apple’s iPhone (58%). Most offenders presented themselves as Caucasian American males (46%) or military personnel (12%), with some adopting Caucasian European male identities (10%). Victim demographics show a pronounced gender disparity: 70% of offenders primarily targeted female victims, 14% targeted male victims, 10% reached both genders, and 6% did not specify the victims’ gender. The analysis also indicates that most offenders were university students (74%), with Facebook (46%) identified as the primary platform for these fraudulent activities. The study emphasizes the need for prevention strategies that genuinely consider the socioeconomic and political conditions that may make online fraud an appealing career option.

Unveiling Masculinity in Motion: Exploring the Dynamics of Masculine Identity through Reog Dance in Javanese Culture

This research explores perceptions and expressions of masculinity within the Reog dance tradition in Javanese culture. Through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and thematic analysis, the study uncovers diverse perspectives on masculinity, revealing its rich symbolic meanings and cultural significance. Findings illuminate the intricate interplay between tradition and modernity and how gender dynamics manifest in Reog dance performances. The research also highlights the role of the Reog dance in shaping and negotiating gender identities within Javanese society while acknowledging the evolution of masculine ideals over time and across different social contexts. Ultimately, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of masculinity as a culturally constructed phenomenon, shedding light on its manifestations, variations, and transformations within traditional performing arts in Java.

A Critical Discourse Analysis of Feminine and Masculine Identity in August Wilson’s Pittsburg Cycle

In his collection of ten plays, The Pittsburg Cycle, August Wilson (1945-2005) presents the social dynamism of African Americans across the twentieth century America. In his plays, many newly freed African slaves move to the North, hoping to shape their identity as respectable citizens of great worth. They are, however, reckoned as foreigners in a new habitus. Since they have lost contact with their past heritage and have no access to their social codes as a source of power, they search for means through which they can concretize the song they carry within themselves as a sign of their true African heritage. Through the theory of critical discourse analysis, this article focuses on Michel Foucault’s theory of discourse to study, analyze, and compare the discourse of both male and female characters of the plays. According to the age-old western tradition, male discourse represents power, assurance, and certainty in contrast to female discourse imbued with characteristics opposite to the mentioned ones. This article aims to explore how Wilson subverts the male and female discourse to create a nongendered African soul, who embodies characteristics of both sexes.

The work of being stuck: Caring masculinities in Mali and Burkina Faso

This article draws on comparative ethnography undertaken in a Malian train station where trains no longer circulate, and a market in Burkina Faso where the flow of customers has ebbed away. In doing so, we explore how workers deal with protracted economic and security crises that have eroded their working lives and thrown the meaning of their labour into question. In both sites, the primarily male workers perpetuated their routines, not only to sustain their workplaces but also to maintain both a sense of a meaningful working life and their masculine identity as breadwinners. They thereby aim to preserve the hope that trains and customers might one day return, restoring their work lives to their previous productive states. We focus on how workers engage in various rhythms of care to ‘stay put’ amidst an uncertain present, and an even more precarious future. Through acts of mutual support – assisting fellow workers, giving intergenerational advice, offering emotional support through religious care and food-sharing, and tending to the material conditions of their workplaces – they create a network of care grounded in both social and physical infrastructure. By analysing the ways in which workers care for each other and their space of work, this article sheds light on the ways masculine affective caring underpins their struggle to ‘stay put’ and continue deriving value from labour, even when this may appear difficult or impossible from the outside. In doing so, this dual case study illuminates ambiguous relationships between work and meaning, crisis and normalcy, and masculinity and care.

‘Evangelical Gitanos are a good catch’: masculinity, churches, and roneos★

This article explores Christian principles, imagery, and ideas shaping the (re)making of masculine ideals, behaviour, and identities among Pentecostal Gitanos in Spain. Scholarship on Pentecostal masculinities emphasizes that in cultural settings dominated by ‘macho’ and other chauvinistic principles, men find it challenging to comply with Pentecostal standards of manhood, and those who do convert often lose standing before non‐converted men as they are accorded an aura of effeminacy. Whereas many converted Gitanos struggle to meet Pentecostal moral standards too, Gitano believers attempt to reform their masculinity following dominant and highly valued ethnic ideals. The connection between masculine pathways of conversion, moral/spiritual commitment, and cultural prestige has significant implications for the ways in which Gitano male believers are perceived and appreciated as potential partners in Gitano cultural and communitarian milieus. The article argues that Pentecostal Christianity's gendered ideas about how men should behave defines ideals of masculinity, ethical expectations, and couple‐making practices among Gitano communities. The article also provides an ethnographic account of the mechanisms involved in generating, reproducing, and sustaining discursive, social, and communitarian frameworks and courting practices (known as roneos) in which Pentecostal Gitano ideals and aspirations about manhood become meaningful and appealing.

‘Maybe we’re not past the traditional gender roles then!’ Exploring less than full-time training among men in Scotland: a qualitative study

ObjectivesA more sustainable work–life balance is desired by trainees, and increasing access to flexibility in training may improve staff morale and retention. Although a number of less than full-time (LTFT)...

The “Ideal Man”: How Gender Norms and Expectations Shape South African Men’s Masculinity, Sexual Identities, and Well-Being

Dominant gender norms among South African males promote ideals of masculinity characterized by control, emotional stoicism, and power, which can impact overall health. This study explores South African men’s perceptions of the “ideal” man, societal expectations, and how sexual identities intersect with masculinity, health-seeking behaviors, and HIV prevention. We conducted 40 interviews with men who have sex with women and men who have sex with men, aged 18–35 years who resided in Johannesburg or Cape Town municipal areas. Participants described their idea of the “ideal man” as a provider, protector, and role model, though these ideals varied across contexts. High family and community expectations created both stress and motivation. Barriers to sexual healthcare included resistance from male-dominated communities and stigma towards non-heteronormative sexual identities, particularly among men who have sex with men. Addressing these challenges requires promoting more inclusive understandings of masculinity and improving healthcare access by challenging gender norms.

Young Bedouin-Arab Men's Ego and Pride: Do Traditional Masculinity and Positive Attitudes Toward Polygyny Shape Responses to a Wife's Refusal?

Cultural traditions in Israel's Bedouin-Arab community encourage and permit men to take up to four wives, a practice supported by Islamic teachings. Despite legal prohibitions against polygyny in Israel, such marriages remain common and have profound effects on women, children, and broader society. This study explores how traditional notions of masculinity and positive attitudes toward polygyny influence young Bedouin men's reactions to a hypothetical scenario in which their wife refuses to accept a polygynous marriage as a threat to men's ego and pride. The sample consisted of 459 young, unmarried Israeli Bedouin-Arab men, aged 16 to 25, a demographic frequently under family pressure to marry, making the issue of marriage highly relevant. We hypothesized that traditional masculinity and favorable attitudes toward polygyny would be positively associated with heightened perceptions of ego and pride threats in response to a wife's refusal. Participants were randomly assigned to imagine either their wife refusing a polygynous arrangement (n = 228) or accepting a polygynous arrangement (n = 231) and then reporting their anticipated emotional responses. The results showed that traditional masculinity was linked to positive attitudes toward polygyny, and both were significantly associated with increased perceptions of ego and pride threats in the refusal scenario but not in the acceptance scenario. The findings suggest that men with strong masculine identities and favorable views of polygyny are especially vulnerable to feeling threatened by a wife's refusal. This supports social construction theory and underscores the role of cultural norms in shaping emotional responses. The discussion highlights the psychological impacts of polygyny in patriarchal societies and calls for culturally sensitive interventions that challenge traditional norms while fostering psychological resilience and gender equality.

MALE SUPERIORITY REPRESENTED THROUGH P.T. BARNUM CHARACTER SCENE IN THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (2017) FILM

This study examines the depiction of male superiority in The Greatest Showman (2017) through the character of P.T. Barnum utilizing Connell’s (2005) framework of hegemonic masculinity to analyze the character of P.T. Barnum. The film serves as a contemporary lens through which to explore the societal constructs of male dominance, ambition, and emotional vulnerability. Despite extensive scholarship on gender dynamics, there remains a notable gap in the cinematic analysis of male superiority, particularly in Western biographical musicals. This study identifies these gaps, specifically in the portrayal of male characters’ internal conflicts and the intersection of personal and professional relationships. Employing a thematic analysis of dialogue and visual elements, the research elucidates how Barnum’s actions reflect traditional masculine ideals while simultaneously challenging them through moments of vulnerability. By examining key dialogues and visual symbols, the findings reveal the complexities of Barnum’s character as both an embodiment of ambition and a critique of rigid masculinity. Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader discourse on gender studies and cinematic analysis, offering insights into how The Greatest Showman both reinforces and complicates contemporary views on masculinity and its implications for societal structures and personal relationships.

CONFLICT-GENERATING POTENTIAL OF GENDER NEOLOGISMS OF ENGLISH-LANGUAGE DISCOURSE

The current stage of development of society is characterised by high dynamism due to cultural transformation and the complication of social relations. At the top of the value space is the desire to equalise gender roles and the promotion of polygender affiliation. The vocabulary of a language undoubtedly responds to the rapid development of society. Continuous social contradictions have increased the level of tension in society. Due to a complete change in the culture of gender interactions and the construction of a new picture of the existence of men and women, the severity of gender contradictions began to be seen with particular clarity. This work is aimed at examining “risky” neologisms, analysing their conflict potential with the identification of evaluative semes and studying the features of gender stereotyping. Studying the conflict-generating potential of gender neologisms allows us to trace the sociocultural rhythm of transformations and study the essential features of the interaction between men and women in a specific historical and cultural space. Our research analysis allows us to conclude that gender neological nominations arise as a result of social demand, which acts as the main driving force of neologisation in language. The constant broadcast of gender-based sociocultural images, the visualisation of masculine and feminine identities in linguistic consciousness, and the ascription of stereotypical social roles act as a conflict-generating factor that can activate a mostly negative emotional reaction.

A qualitative assessment of perceptions of gender-based stigma among US Marine Corps officers in training

ABSTRACT Military culture is historically rooted in masculine characteristics and ideals. Yet, as of 2016, all occupational specialties in the United States military are open to women and, as such, the number of women that make up the Services is projected to continue rising. The growing presence of women within the military ranks may be at odds with the traditionally masculine military culture, potentially resulting in gender-based stigmatization of female Service members. The current study qualitatively assessed perceived gender stigmatization among newly commissioned male (n = 654, 87%) and female (n = 101, 13%) US Marine Corps officers entering The Basic Course (BOC) at The Basic School (TBS), a six-month secondary training course. A thematic analysis of open-ended survey questions identified that males and females described aspects of gender stigma similarly, with emphases on females’ tendency to be viewed as weaker and needing to “prove themselves,” and a call for equal physical fitness standards for both genders. There were mixed opinions as to whether gender stigmatization should be acknowledged and addressed or dismissed and ignored. Some participants voiced that bringing gender stigma to the attention of Service members could artificially inflate the magnitude of the issue and increase gender stigmatization that is otherwise negligible or non-existent. The insights offered by the participants of this study can help shape the direction of policies and procedures aimed at increasing equality and opportunities for success for Marine officers of all genders. Ultimately, the goal is to optimize physical and mental health and readiness for all Service members.

New masculinities in uro-oncology: A social theory that contributes to the mental health of patients with penile cancer.

Sociocultural, the penis has represented an essential element in the identity and masculinity of Western men. Therefore, its injury, damage, or loss leads to psychosocial problems affecting these people's health and well-being. Penile cancer is a rare malignancy (it represents 1.44% of the cases of genitourinary cancers) that has direct effects on the genitals, and its treatment consists of penectomy (removal of the penis). The loss of the penis due to this disease has a profound impact on the survivors. It is associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and loss of male identity, some even feeling like "castrated animals" or fewer men, having not only biological but also social and psychological problems, leading to the loss or decrease of sexual activity, self-esteem, and ability to relate to others. The new masculinities (a social theory much discussed these days) is offered as an alternative to understanding the behavior of men concerning what represents the penis, and the construction of their identity, focusing on the need to reconstruct the idea of masculinity and unlink the identity of men outside their genitals, the discussion of such social elements can be offered alternatives to help improve the psychological condition of patients who have survived the penectomy and contribute significantly to their health and quality of life, especially in improving your mental health.

A Scoping Review of Masculinity Norms and Their Interplay With Loneliness and Social Connectedness Among Men in Western Societies.

This scoping review explores what is currently understood about how masculinity norms interplay with loneliness and social connectedness among men in a Western context. Human beings inherently need social connections, and this review particularly addresses how traditional masculinity norms-emphasizing independence, emotional stoicism, and pain endurance-can increase vulnerability to loneliness and insufficient social connections. The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews and systematically assessed the literature published between September 2013 and September 2023. Initial literature searches were conducted using multiple databases, including EBSCO and PubMed. Of the 1,730 articles identified, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria and were quality assessed. Results show that men often formed social connections through productive activities. Still, these connections were restricted by conflicting masculine ideals such as self-reliance, which could be prioritized over social and emotional support. Masculine bonds were often formed and strengthened through collectively rejecting diversity. Nevertheless, there were some narratives where participants attempted to redefine masculinity to access permission to care and connect. This review highlights the urgent need for cultural and societal reevaluation of gender norms to support men's social connectedness. This shift could reduce stigma around emotional vulnerability and in turn men's opportunities for health and well-being.

Gender Identity and Aggression.

Gender identity, or people's deeply felt, internal sense of their gender, plays an important role in aggression perpetration and victimization. In this article, I review and organize the psychological research literatures on gender identity-based aggression. I first discuss the need to move beyond binary, cisgender understandings of gender by embracing expansive definitions that more fully capture people's experiences and identities. Next, I summarize relevant research indicating two paths from gender identity to aggression. In one path, individuals with a more masculine (i.e., dominant, agentic) gender identity use aggression proactively, motivated by pursuit of social dominance. In another path, individuals with a more uncertain (i.e., insecure, precarious) gender identity use aggression defensively-and often toward vulnerable, gender nonconforming targets-as a means of protecting their gender identity against threats. I end by identifying important areas for future research and considering how interventions might best mitigate gender identity-based aggression.

‘Everywhere you get models of what you should be like’: ideals of masculinity and therapeutic culture constraining young men’s mental health and gendered subjectivities

ABSTRACT This paper presents a novel approach to youth mental health by examining the connections between young Finnish men’s mental health, ideals of masculinity, and public discourses of mental health. Drawing from critical sociological and feminist theories on gender, power, and therapeutic culture, we apply a thematic discursive analysis to a questionnaire data (n = 910) about men’s mental health targeted at young men (primarily aged 15-29). The findings illustrate how young Finnish men consider ‘traditional’ ideals of masculinity widespread in Finland, restricting the actions of men, and upheld by narrow representations of gender. In addition, young men display critical reactions to the public discourses of mental health, especially the ones they feel are repeated in the media. These discourses are seen as insufficient and too individualised, echoing therapeutic culture. Based on our results, we argue that the highly individualised and gendered discourses of mental health, deriving from therapeutic culture and rooted in Finnish cultural and institutional practices, are inadequate for supporting young men’s mental health. Instead, these practices can create a vicious cycle where the often-well-intended efforts can limit and guide young men towards restricted gendered possibilities to express themselves, talk about mental health, and seek support if needed.

An Appraisal of the Conduct and Character of Men in the Society: Perspectives of Yorùbá Female Novelists

In Yorùbá literature, the focus has often been on the roles, struggles and societal expectations of women. However, a notable silence exists in the exploration of men’s character. This apparent oversight exposes the prevailing patriarchal system, which has historically cast men into roles defined by fatherhood and as the head of the family. This narrative portrays men as guardians of traditions, providers and the pillars of family structures. Yet, beneath the surface lies the curiosity concerning the authenticity of these portrayals. Two questions become pertinent: one, do these depictions truly reflect the male identity, or are they just shadows cast by a societal construct designed to reinforce established norms? Two, are men truly capable of meeting the standards set for them, or are they merely being shielded from scrutiny by a narrative that perpetuates their idealized roles? Using the Feminist theory and a Sociological Approach, with narratives from fifteen selected novels authored by Yorùbá women, this study scrutinizes the narratives surrounding the portrayal of male conduct and characters in society by questioning the authenticity of the pedestal upon which men are placed and the realities that shape their lives arising from their conducts, and the character displayed. Findings from the Yorùbá female novelists’ perspectives reveal that lots of men act contrary to the assumed pattern of portrayal. Their shortcomings are unknown to society because the women in the men’s lives cover up the inadequacies of such men. These revelations confirm that the portrayal of men as superhuman beings does not truly represent their conduct and character in society.

How Do Men Who Post Publicly on Social Media Author Themselves and Their Experiences of Crohn's Disease? A Dialogical Analysis of Three Cases.

Despite distinct sex- and gender-related differences in the presentation and manifestation of Crohn's disease (CD), little research to date has considered men's particular experiences. Whilst hegemonic masculine ideals have been reported to negatively impact men's mental and physical health, increasingly research has emphasized that men engage in a diverse range of practices, including those beneficial to health. One such practice is posting about their illness experiences on social media. The interactive nature of posting online means that a dialogical approach, based on a relational epistemology, is particularly useful. This study therefore asked: "How do men who post publicly on social media author themselves and their experiences of CD?" Three participants were recruited, all of whom had a diagnosis of CD, wrote a blog, and posted on other social networking sites (SNSs) about CD. Two resided in Canada and one in the United Kingdom. All were white. For each participant, 2years of multimodal social media data was downloaded. After screening, in-depth analysis was conducted using a dialogical approach focusing on three key dialogical concepts: genre, chronotope, and forms of authorship. The key findings emphasized the participants' different responses to the lack of predictability caused by CD and the different ways they used social media to gain a greater sense of control over their illness stories and identities, providing important insights into the interaction between masculine identities and illness. Finally, the potential deployment of such methods in future research and within therapeutic contexts was considered.