Masculinity Studies Glossary

An emerging model of manhood centered on caregiving, emotional expressiveness, and interdependence, rejecting domination as a masculine ideal.

Connell's term for men who do not fully embody the hegemonic ideal but benefit from the patriarchal dividend through their gender.

The culturally prescribed masculine norm that men should suppress or conceal emotions, particularly sadness, fear, and vulnerability.

bell hooks' term for a vision of masculinity that rejects patriarchal norms and embraces emotional wholeness, equality, and mutual vulnerability.

The social ranking system in which certain gender expressions are valued above others, with hegemonic masculinity typically positioned at the top.

Judith Butler's theory that gender is constituted through repeated acts and performances rather than being an innate, essential quality.

The culturally dominant ideal of masculinity in a given society that legitimizes patriarchal authority and subordinates other gender expressions.

Non-sexual social bonds between members of the same sex, especially how male-male bonds construct and police masculine norms.

An exaggerated adherence to stereotypical masculine behaviors including aggression, physical dominance, sexual conquest, and emotional detachment.

Eric Anderson's theory that declining homophobia in some cultures enables men to adopt more emotionally open and physically affectionate behaviors.

A framework for understanding how aspects of identity such as race, class, gender, and sexuality interact to create unique experiences of privilege and oppression.

Laura Mulvey's concept describing the tendency of visual media to present the world from a masculine, heterosexual perspective, objectifying women.

Joseph Pleck's paradigm stating that traditional male gender roles are contradictory and psychologically harmful when men attempt to conform to them.

The unearned social advantages conferred on men in patriarchal societies, including economic opportunity, physical safety assumptions, and institutional authority.

A metaphor for the rigid set of expectations constraining male behavior -- toughness, emotional stoicism, dominance -- used by organizations like Promundo.

Masculinities disempowered through intersection with subordinated racial, ethnic, or class positions, even if they may locally embody hegemonic traits.

The tendency for men whose masculinity is threatened to respond with exaggerated masculine behaviors to restore their sense of manhood.

The process through which boys and men learn culturally prescribed masculine behaviors, values, and attitudes via family, peers, media, and institutions.

The concept that masculine socialization produces a mild inability to identify and express emotions in many men, contributing to mental health issues.

The overall advantage men gain from patriarchal social structures, including economic, social, and institutional benefits, even without actively dominating women.

A system of social organization in which men hold primary power in political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control over property.

The theory that manhood is an achieved, tenuous social status requiring continuous public proof, unlike womanhood which is perceived as more biologically assured.

A pattern of exaggerated masculine display among marginalized men who lack access to institutional power and assert status through toughness and defiance.

In Connell's framework, masculinities that are culturally stigmatized and oppressed, particularly gay masculinity within heteronormative societies.

Harmful cultural norms of traditional masculinity including emotional suppression, aggression, and dominance that negatively affect men and those around them.