Understanding Hegemonic Masculinity & Homophobia - Essay Sample

Introduction

Hegemonic masculinity can be defined as the practices that tend to increase men`s dominant position in society and also acts as evidence to forecast the subordination of the standard male population and women and also entails other marginalized ways of being a man. Hegemonic masculinity also explains genuinely men maintain dominant social roles over the feminine identities in society.

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Homophobia

Homophobia tends to mean when one tends to have a prejudice against gay persons. The westerners tend to develop hostility towards the gay persons based on the religious settings, but education has brought a change to this feeling (Diefendorf & Bridges, 2019). Thus, gay persons tend to have their place in the society or even be able to marry one another and have also gained legal rights to protect one another (Messerschmidt, 2018). It is also noted that the males at all times express prejudice towards gay persons.

Racism

Men are mostly not taught to express emotions as female gender does. The westerners always view their masculine gender as being more superior to Black African Males. The westerners have always dominated the Black African race group in terms of acquiring materials, rewards, and also power.

Sexism

Sexism is termed as discrimination against women based on sex. Males at an early age, receive pieces of advice from family members or even friends (Cowie et al., 2019). They are taught on the basis that a man needs to be reliable, authoritative, or even be stereotypical, and this causes demeaning of the feminine gender.

The Manifestations of Hegemonic Masculinity and Its Consequences

Criminal Activities

Hegemonic masculinity has placed the central part in influencing criminal activities since women and girls are not mostly found in the criminology circle (Pascoe & Bridges, 2016). It has led to the development and increased aggression in males and that they kept pursuing criminal actions.

Health

Males are mostly known of risk-takers concerning sexual behaviors, such as having multiple partners and having unprotected sex with them. The males are also termed as emotionless and aggressive, and that cannot seek professional and health care. It has led to a spiking rise in HIV related diseases and also Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

Is Contemporary Masculinity Toxic

Yes, the contemporary masculinity is toxic, since it implies the use of force and physical violence in order to reinforce male`s dominance over women in the Western region. The toxic masculinity has been used to refer to stereotypical behavior, such as restricting any type of expression of emotions (Pascoe & Bridges, 2016). It is mostly expressed in boys and men. These traits can also be contrasted to bring in positivity, such as one`s ability to succeed at work and provide for the family.

References

Cowie, L. J., Greaves, L. M., & Sibley, C. G. (2019). Sexuality and sexism: Differences in ambivalent sexism across gender and sexual identity. Personality and Individual Differences, 148, 85-89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2019.05.023

Diefendorf, S., & Bridges, T. (2019). On the enduring relationship between masculinity and homophobia. https://doi.org/10.31235/osf.io/4vd8f

Messerschmidt, J. W. (2018). Hegemonic masculinity: Formulation, reformulation, and amplification. Rowman & Littlefield.

Pascoe, C. J., & Bridges, T. (2016). Exploring masculinities: Identity, inequality, continuity, and change. New York; Oxford, [UK]: Oxford University Press, c2016. xii, 430 pages.