Masculinity Studies and Literature

Abstract

In contrast to feminist theory or women’s studies, masculinity studies is a relatively new approach to analysing literature. This article discusses the state of literary masculinity studies and its relationship to sociological men’s studies and feminism. It highlights the intention of masculinity studies scholarship to expose the damaging impact of patriarchy on men (as well as women), and its aim to celebrate alternative masculinities over hegemonic ideals through an analysis of male protagonists. It also notes the criticisms brought against the theoretical approach: that men are already adequately represented in literary theory; that the approach can be either universalist or too fragmented by sub‐categorisations of masculinity according to class, race, sexuality, etc. Giving an overview of the scholarship in the field, the article notes that while sexuality and ethnicity are becoming more frequent subjects for critics, issues of age – both youth and senescence – are relatively ignored, and suggests that this theme requires further examination in literary masculinity studies and in men’s studies more widely.

Unveiling Implicit Stereotypes: The Praxis of Taming Men in Indian Households in Yadav’s The Anger of Saintly Men

“…However, the traditional social role still imbues the preconceived notions with a fresh transgression. The apex of social justice can be accomplished with the transforming perception of masculinity from an indispensable history predominated by men solely to intensify the reconfiguration of a new society (Hobbs, 2013) The Anger of Saintly Men has an unembellished tone of masculine characters fighting for the identity the society envisages. From expected to accepted masculinity, the deconstruction of gender has played a vital role in the shift in the power dynamics.…”

“…Masculinity in literature has undergone a dramatic change. Observing Filene, (Hobbs, 2013) argues, Men have not been analyzed at the everyday level to any great extent. Criticism and history have been more concerned with what men have achieved rather than how they have lived.…”

Animals, others, and postcolonial ecomasculinities: Nadeem Aslam’s The Blind Man’s Garden

“…However, just because hegemonic masculinity is the most visible doesn’t mean that it is the only one. Alex Hobbs has pointed out the importance of “trying to widen what is understood by masculinity” in order “to correct the notion that all men can be represented by the historical few who are recorded for their exploits in politics, war, or other stereotypic and historically masculine pursuits” (Hobbs, 2013: 384). In order to widen this kind of masculinity even further, we have to emphasize masculinity that is egalitarian toward not only humans but also nonhumans.…”