Question

Why does hegemonic masculinity often seem invisible? Why do men who fit with hegemonic masculinity sometimes see themselves as under attack by feminists? In your opinion, will tensions between hegemonic masculinity and feminism reduce over time, or become more intense? Why?

Answer 1

Hegemonic masculinity is an idea that defines the ideal musculinity that dominates other types of musculinity and the considers females as subordinates. This is often invisible because the society or the culture participate in promoting such set of beliefs, and rear their boys and girls accordingly. The boys are expected to behave in their ideal set of hegemonic masculinity, while the girls expected to fit into the role of subordinate feminity. Thus, both the genders actvily participate in promoting such ideal in a male dominant patriarchal society. Not all fit into the hegemonic masculinity ideal only few fit in this category, but they are supported by the majority complicit masculinity male, who aspire to be hegemonic males and want to enjoy the continuation of the male dominance in the society.

The men who are authoritative and dominant, and consider women as subordinates and second class face severe criticism from feminism because feminism is the ideology that promotes concept of equality regarding gender and equal participation, and dismisses the notion of male supremacy and dominance over females.

Gender is social concept, its not biological or it is not the natural way. Hence, men and women must have equal rights and participation in all aspects of life. Neither male nor female should dominate each other. The hegemonic masculinity that promotes male dominance over all gender identities will definitely promote tensions over time because feminism is been acknowledged by almost every women of all sections of society and women empowerment is on rise. This will result in raising voice against those men who makes themselves fit into the hegemonic masculinity model.