hegemonic masculinity
hegemonic masculinityRefers to the existence of multiple definitions of masculinity and, at the same time, to hierarchies of power, authority, and recognition among men, and between men and women. At any given time, one form of masculinity rather than others is likely to be culturally exalted. Hegemonic masculinity is the configuration of gender practice which embodies the currently accepted answer to the problem of the legitimacy of patriarchy—which guarantees (or is taken to guarantee) the dominant position of men and the subordination of women.
The most visible bearers of hegemonic masculinity are not always the most powerful people. They may be exemplars, like film actors or sporting heroes, or even fantasy figures, like film characters. Nevertheless, hegemony is only likely to be established if there is some correspondence between cultural ideal and institutional power. So the top levels of business, the military, and government provide a...
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