Understanding Masculinity & its Various Types

May 6, 2024

All of us have at some point encountered the term ‘Mardaangi’ or masculinity in our lives. With the male lead ripping open their shirts and fighting the entire gang of goons himself to save the damsel in distress, Mardaangi had rather been quite a glorified topic in the entertainment industry. But are you aware that masculinity too has types? To know more dive into this blog which discusses the various types of masculinities.

What is Masculinity?

Culturally characterized as not feminine, masculinity is behaviours, languages, and practices that are often associated with men and exist in particular cultural and organizational contexts.

There are dominant codes in countries that place pressure on and generate expectations around men, but there is no uniform set of standards around masculinity. These codes have an impact on women, children, and society at large. Men also ‘act’ their masculinity differently and inconsistently; the concept of masculinity is understood differently over time, in different sociocultural situations, and within groups and networks.

Types of Masculinity

A theory of masculinity created by sociologist R.W. Connell was originally released in 1995. She outlines the categories of hegemonic masculinity, complicit masculinity, subordinate masculinity, and marginalized masculinity in her well-known book, which goes by the name, ‘Masculinities’, which describes how modern Western masculinity is produced. Connell conducted a great deal of his research by asking men about their life stories.

Hegemonic masculinity is the dominant form of masculinity in a society, and it is characterized by traits such as strength, aggression, and stoicism. Hegemonic masculinity is often seen as the ideal form of masculinity, and men are expected to conform to it in order to be successful and respected.

Hegemonic masculinity is a social construct, meaning that it is not biological or natural. It is created and maintained through socialization, which includes cultural norms, media messages, and peer pressure. Hegemonic masculinity is also reinforced by institutions such as the government, the military, and the workplace.

Characteristics of Hegemonic Masculinity

Hegemonic masculinity is characterized by several traits, including:

Strength: Men are expected to be physically and emotionally strong.
Aggression: Men are expected to be assertive and aggressive, and to avoid expressing emotions such as vulnerability or fear.
Stoicism: Men are expected to be stoic and to endure pain and hardship without complaining.

Marginalized masculinity refers to forms of masculinity that deviate from the dominant or hegemonic form of masculinity. This can include masculinities that are associated with marginalized social groups, such as men of colour, queer men, and working-class men. It can also include masculinities that are considered to be “weak” or “unmanly,” such as men who are sensitive, nurturing, or emotional.

Marginalized masculinity can hurt men’s mental and physical health. Men who experience marginalized masculinity may be more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. They may also be more likely to engage in risky behaviours, such as unprotected sex and violence.

Examples of traits that are generally considered to be part of marginalized masculinity in contemporary Western society:

Racial identity other than white (some racial and ethnic groups are specifically historically feminized or desexualized, such as Asian men)
Poor men

3. Complicit masculinity refers to a form of masculinity that does not actively embody hegemonic masculinity, but benefits from and supports it nonetheless. Men who exhibit complicit masculinity may not outwardly conform to the stereotypical traits of hegemonic masculinity, such as aggression, stoicism, or emotional detachment. However, they still uphold the system of hegemonic masculinity by passively accepting its norms and failing to challenge them.

Individuals who embody complicit masculinity may not actively promote or perpetuate harmful gender stereotypes, but they may benefit from the privileges associated with being male in a society that values hegemonic masculinity. They may also express a sense of superiority over “marginalized” or “subordinate” masculinities, which reinforces the hierarchical nature of gender norms.

Some specific examples of complicit masculinity:

A man who remains silent when his friends make sexist jokes or remarks.
A man who avoids expressing emotions such as vulnerability or sadness because he fears being perceived as weak or unmanly.
A man who does not question or challenge traditional gender roles in his relationships or workplace.

4. Subordinate masculinity refers to forms of masculinity that do not conform to the dominant or hegemonic form of masculinity. This can include masculinities that are associated with marginalized social groups, such as men of colour, queer men, and working-class men. It can also include masculinities that are considered to be “weak” or “unmanly,” such as men who are sensitive, nurturing, or emotional.

Subordinate males, regardless of sexual orientation, come to represent the antithesis of hegemonic masculinity. For example, men who work out infrequently or who clearly put effort into their appearance become subordinate if the hegemonic paradigm of masculinity emphasizes strength and rugged appearance. These male organizations become more feminine by their act of submission. Unlike marginalized masculinity, which is shaped inside the gender hierarchy, and unlike complicit masculinity, which benefits from hegemonic masculinity, subordinate men do not benefit from it; instead, they become the symbolic opposite of it. These two differences set subordinate masculinity apart from the other three masculinities.

Men who experience subordinate masculinity may face discrimination and prejudice. They may also be excluded from social groups and activities that are seen as being for “real” men. This can lead to feelings of isolation, alienation, and insecurity.

Examples of traits that are generally considered to be part of subordinate masculinity in contemporary Western society:

Gay, queer, bisexual, and trans men
Men who act feminine, dress feminine, or embrace traits that are generally considered to be feminine (this could be men who are interested in fashion, cooking, or art rather than sports or men who readily display sadness)

Redefining Masculinity for a More Inclusive Society

As we strive towards a more inclusive and equitable society, it is crucial to redefine masculinity in a way that embraces diversity, promotes positive expressions of manhood, and challenges harmful stereotypes. By encouraging men to express a full range of emotions, challenge harmful gender stereotypes, and support other men who are working to redefine masculinity, we can create a world where all men feel valued and respected.