Hegemonic masculinity

The concept of hegemonic masculinity arises from critical studies on men (CSM). These studies have in turn been informed by many different theoretical influences and traditions, including patriarchy theory, marxism, socialist feminism, practice theory (of inter alia Sartre and Bourdieu), and social constructionism. More specifically hegemonic masculinity and masculinities theory more generally can be located in the conceptual ground between the critique of sex role theory, and the critique of monolithic versions of patriarchy. The heuristic and pedagogical strength of the concept is illustrated by the fact that it can be used with quite different meanings, within different political, disciplinary and epistemological traditions. These range from Gramscian Marxism and critique of categoricalism to pluralism, intersectionality, body theory, structuration theory, psychodynamics, even discourse theory and poststructuralism