hybrid masculinities.
Question 2: Define the term “hybrid masculinities.” Then, provide an example of hybrid masculinities from the world around you, not an example provided in the textbook. Now, evaluate whether you think hybrid masculinities can lead to a more gender-equal society. Make sure to explain your reasoning.
Hybrid masculinity uses gender expressions whose aspects are marginalized in the performance and identity of the gender of privileged men. They distance themselves from the traditional masculinity norms while reinforcing and reproducing hegemonic masculinity. Men are allowed to negotiate their masculinity; its negotiation mirrors inclusive attitudes and behaviors. In hybrid masculinity, an individual moves between multiple masculinities. It depends on the context, and time-masculinity isn’t fixed. Unique gender identities are created from subordinate masculinities and femininities. Hybrid masculinity can be hegemonic or non-hegemonic. Hegemonic explains why men dominate society more than women, while non-hegemonic tries to make men less dominant.
There are many examples of hybrid masculinities in our current society. A good example is in a community of diverse college students. Colleges have students of different races and backgrounds. Some races are more privileged in society than others hence giving them the scholarly elite. Some other races are less selective in the world, making them insignificant. The race and class privileged men who are considered scholastic and masculine focus on social and extracurricular activities (Barry and Nathaniel 160). They think of themselves as achievers of ideal masculinity by their participation in social movements—the men who are less privileged embrace academic pursuits to become better and responsible men. Different groups of men construct various forms of hybrid masculinity to navigate society’s expectations set for them. All men in the college end up being participants in social and extracurricular activities and are active scholars and responsible men. They may even engage in some activities that are considered feminine or subordinate. The different levels and types of men integrate their masculinity (scholarly and subordinate) fulfillment to acquire hybrid masculinity.
I do not think hybrid masculinity will lead to a more gender-equal society. The rational norm tells men that they are superior to women or are better at doing things than the woman. It also shows scholars and race or class privileged people in the society that they are better than the less privileged people in the community. The norm makes the less privileged people in the organization to stay away from scholarly pursuits. Hybrid masculinity neutralizes the traditional and societal expectations for men, both the elite and less privileged. When the men balance the societal expectations of men, they practice hybrid masculinity. Here, the elect man does not feel better than the less privileged man not to engage in social activities. The less privileged man will not feel so much of a loser not to pursue scholarly pursuits. When men integrate and unite, it brings unity and understanding between them-they treat each other as equals. That does not mean that they will treat ladies or women as they treat each other. Even after hybrid masculinity bridges the gap between privileged and less privileged men; it cannot bridge the inequality gap between men and women in our society.
Works cited
Barry, Ben, and Nathaniel Weiner. “Suited for success? Suits, status, and hybrid masculinity.” Men and Masculinities 22.2 (2019): 151-176.