R. W. Connell - The Social Structure of Masculinity

Chapter 3:

The Social Organization of Masculinity

Argument:

Masculinity is part of a larger social structure.

Understanding either helps us to understand both.

Task:

To set out a theoretical framework based on analyses of gender relations, in order to distinguish types of masculinity, the roles of masculinity in society, relations between masculinities, and relations between masculinity and other social categories (e.g. femininity, race, class, etc...).

...but what is masculinity?

Defining Masculinity

Masculinity is socially constructed.

Gender is present in all societies, and is loosely related to sex, but what gender categories exist, and what they mean, change with historical and geographical context.

• Sex: Biological distinctions between females and males.

e.g. chromosomes and their phenotypical expressions.

• Gender: Social expressions of femininity and/or masculinity.

"Gender exists precisely to the extent that biology does *not* determine the social." (p. 71)

Masculinity is inherently relational.

• Masculinity is that which is not feminine.
• Masculinity & femininity are co-constructive.

Gender as a Structure of Social Practice

"Gender is a way in which social practice is ordered." (p. 71)

What does this mean?

"Masculinity and femininity are gender projects." (p. 72)

In-class writing:

• In what ways is your own gender a project?
• What is your gender identity?
• How did you get the gender identity that you have?
• What are some examples of your own gender expression?

assigned sex (what you were assigned at birth)

gender identity (how you feel on the inside about your gender)

gender presentation (how you express your gender to the world)

sexual orientation (who you're attracted to)

Intersectionality

(Kimberle Crenshaw - prominent black feminist)

The study of intersections between forms or systems of oppression, domination or discrimination.

Gender is unavoidably involved with other social structures it intersects with race and class [and other social identities]. White fears of black men's violence have a long history in colonial situations. African-American men are massively over-represented in American prisons, as Aboriginal men are in Australian prisons. (p. 75)

In-Class Writing

Raewyn Connell (age 71) (also known as R.W. Connell) is an Australian sociologist. She is currently Professor Emeritus at the University of Sydney and known for the concept of hegemonic masculinity.

Consider your social identities, especially your gender, race, and class, but perhaps also your age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, cultural background, linguistic abilities, disability status, or any other part of your identity that bears on your social experience. Draw a Venn diagram that represents the way your identities intersect. Write a paragraph or two about the consequences that your overlapping identities have for your social experience.

(1995)

Hegemonic

Masculinity

The concept "hegemony" comes from Antonio Gramsci's analysis of class relations, and refers to the cultural dynamic by which a group claims and sustains a leading position in social life. (p. 77)

Hegemonic masculinity comprises the practices that promote the dominant social position of men, and the subordinate social position of women.