On Types of Masculinity

feminist theory 101

In general, in Anglosphere culture, men attach themselves to one of two ideals of masculinity. The first is typically called “hegemonic masculinity.” I don’t like any of the names that people call the second one, so let’s call it “rebellious masculinity.”

Hegemonic masculinity is the primary normative ideal of masculinity in our culture. Norms associated with hegemonic masculinity include:

• Not being feminine: not caring too much about your appearance, liking romances, being vegan, etc. etc.

• Not being overly emotional; not showing your feelings too much.

• Being a loving and devoted father.

• Being a caring husband.

• Providing for your family.

• Being successful in your career; earning a large paycheck; working a high-status job.

• Protecting your family and keeping them safe.

• Being courageous, self-sacrificing, calm, and reliable in crisis situations.

• Being athletic and physically fit.

• Being sexually desirable and good at sex.

• Having strong male friendships.

Ryan Reynolds is a hegemonically masculine man. He is handsome, a commercially and critically successful actor, happily married, a loving father of four children, and well-known for being kind and funny.

Rebellious masculinity is a competing normative ideal. It shares some norms with hegemonic masculinity: courage, financial success, athleticism, not being feminine. But it has its own set of norms, including:

• Taking risks; seeking thrills.

• Breaking society’s rules.

• Being aggressive and daring.

• Not backing down from a fight; winning fights.

• Having sex with a large number of hot women; not being “caught” into a relationship.

• Drinking to excess, smoking, and using drugs.

• Gambling.

• Showing off your wealth: fast cars, fashionable clothes, bottle service at the club.

• Saying offensive or edgy things.

• Making music for some reason???