Hegemonic masculinity: combining theory and practice in gender interventions

Abstract

The concept of hegemonic masculinity has been used in gender studies since the early-1980s to explain men’s power over women. Stressing the legitimating power of consent (rather than crude physical or political power to ensure submission), it has been used to explain men’s health behaviours and the use of violence. Gender activists and others seeking to change men’s relations with women have mobilised the concept of hegemonic masculinity in interventions, but the links between gender theory and activism have often not been explored. The translation of ‘hegemonic masculinity’ into interventions is little examined. We show how, in South Africa and Sweden, the concept has been used to inform theoretically-based gender interventions and to ensure that men are brought into broader social efforts to build gender equity. We discuss the practical translational challenges of using gender theory broadly, and hegemonic masculinity in particular, in a Swedish case study, of the intervention Machofabriken [The Macho Factory], and illustrate how the concept is brought to life in this activist work with men. The concept has considerable practical application in developing a sustainable praxis of theoretically grounded interventions that are more likely to have enduring effect, but evaluating broader societal change in hegemonic masculinity remains an enduring challenge.

‘Life under the tent is not safe, especially for young women’: understanding intersectional violence among internally displaced youth in Leogane, Haiti

“…For example, the IMAGE microfinance combined with gender intervention in South Africa was associated with reduced IPV [40]. Jewkes et al [41] detail strategies to integrate hegemonic masculinity into interventions that engage men in challenging inequitable gender norms. For example, the Macho Factory in Sweden examines ways to change and challenge social norms of masculinity and violence, using techniques including films, exercises, and drama education [41].…”

“…Jewkes et al [41] detail strategies to integrate hegemonic masculinity into interventions that engage men in challenging inequitable gender norms. For example, the Macho Factory in Sweden examines ways to change and challenge social norms of masculinity and violence, using techniques including films, exercises, and drama education [41]. Strengths that internally displaced youth identified as coping strategies – hope, social support, and striving for opportunity through education and employment – are considered resources that can be integrated into future intervention development.…”

Violence motivated by perception of sexual orientation and gender identity: a systematic review

“…The perpetrators are often male and although violence is not necessarily a part of men’s dominant position in society (hegemonic masculinity), the two are often linked. In many parts of the world, women are perceived as inferior and therefore both femininity and homosexuality are denigrated and discredited 107 . Physical or sexual force and threats are ways to achieve control, including punishment of perceived acts of resistance to or transgression of gender norms and behaviours 108 .…”

“You are so ugly, you whore”- girls in rural Sweden discuss and address gendered violence

“…It not only assumes masculinity as being cisgendered and heterosexual, but also demands a set of practices that position men as active (Beasley, 2015;Connell & Messerschmidt, 2005). The concept of hegemonic masculinity can be used to understand violence against girls and young women as a way to construct and reinforce heterosexual masculinities and the linking of gender norms to power dynamics to ensure the dominant position of men over women (Connell & Messerschmidt, 2005;Jewkes et al, 2015). Gendered violence has a profound impact on girls' lives, and we need to know more in order to better address the problem and work for gender equality.…”