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Hegemonic masculinity is not completely dominant, however, as it only exists in relation to non-hegemonic, subordinated forms of masculinity. [9] The most salient example of this approach in contemporary European and American society is the dominance of heterosexual men and the subordination of homosexual men .
According to the hegemonic masculinity model of gender studies, men who demonstrate power, strength, bravery, fearlessness, virility, competitiveness etc.. can assert their (supposed) superiority over women and consolidate their general position of dominance over them (physically, intellectually, and sexually). [68]
Hegemonic masculinity is often reproduced and reinforced through media and culture. "Media representations of men…often glorify men's use of physical force, a daring demeanor, virility, and emotional distance." Contemporary rap music is a striking example of masculinity on display.
For example, television news departments are considered as extensions of a capitalistic economic order (Hall, 1979). The products of the media contain messages that convey the nature of society, the nature of relation of production within the media and the domain of institutions and social process (Golding, 1979).
Early men's studies scholars studied social construction of masculinity, [12] which the Australian sociologist Raewyn Connell is best known for.. Connell introduced the concept of hegemonic masculinity, describing it as a practice that legitimizes men's dominant position in society and justifies the subordination of the common male population and women, and other marginalized ways of being a man.
Hegemonic masculinity – Concept in gender studies; Hegemony and Socialist Strategy (1985), by Ernesto Laclau and Chantal Mouffe; Herd behavior – Behavior of individuals acting in a group "Ideology and Ideological State Apparatuses" (1970), by Louis Althusser; Marxist cultural analysis – Anti-capitalist cultural critique
Theories like this, which promote hegemonic masculinity, are often criticized for being sexist, exclusionary, not realistic and “toxic.” They are popular in alt-right communities ...
In a gender studies context, Raewyn Connell refers to toxic practices that may arise out of what she terms hegemonic masculinity, rather than essential traits. [9] Connell argues that such practices, such as physical violence, may serve to reinforce men's dominance over women in Western societies.