Marginalized Masculinities and Hegemonic Masculinity: An Introduction

Abstract

This essay reviews the masculinities and intergroup relations literatures while introducing the authors whose research is highlighted in this special issue. The complexities of identity group politics are also examined. Not only does intergroup conflict occur in society, so does intragroup conflict. Marginalized people have multiple group memberships—some marginalized, some dominant. Some marginalized people commodified their marginalized performance of masculinity. Others seek escape by passing or forming their own group where their marginalization is normative.

Constructing hegemonic masculinities in South Africa

“…The heterosexual norm partly structures internal hegemony within society. Hegemonic masculinity is defined against subordinated homosexuality (Cheng 2007;Connell 1995).…”

Understanding the innermost nature of genocidal rape: A community-based approach

“…The influence of hegemonic masculinity was investigated in relation to gender stereotypes (Martin, Wood & Little 1991), gender roles (Brannon 1985;Brannon & Juni 1984), negative attitudes towards women (Biernat, 1991) and male violence (Braudy 2003;Cheng 1999;Levant 1992Levant , 1995Levant , 1998Levant, Hall, Williams & Hasan 2009;Levant, Hirsch, Celentano, Cozza, Hill, MacEachern, Schnedeker 1992;O"Neil 2008 andThompson &Pleck 1986). If the need to dominate is the driving force of wartime rapes, then why did strong and much feared soldiers rape vulnerable children during the genocide?…”

Race and Masculinities in the South African Military

“…Shefer and Mankayi (2007) These participants drew their constructions of masculinity from marginalised discourses, just as the literature shows that "housebound" men signify a subordinate masculinity in modern cultures (Murnen, Wright & Kaluzy 2002). The marginalised view of not seeking many partners acknowledges the multiplicity of masculinities, in this instance facilitated by a local religious context (Cheng 1999;Connell 2002;Hearn 1996;Morrell 1998;Wetherell & Edley 1999). Both Johan and Gerhard highlighted that alcohol consumption symbolises manhood for some men.…”