Hegemonic Masculinity

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Pages: 5

In schools today male students are held to a high standard of meeting up to the strict stereotype of a male. There are many ways to be a man which exist within a hierarchy of manhood. The most dominant form of manhood which is characterized by several key traits, distance oneself from femininity, restrict emotions, be tough and aggressive avoid vulnerability and be seen as highly sexual with women; and prove one’s heterosexuality via homophobia (“Colorado State”) Although strict gender roles for men have existed forever, people are starting to take action by teaching young men that they do not have to act manly according to today’s societal standards, and must not live under the assumption that all of their actions should be one of a “man”. …show more content…
These conventions exist as part of the normal fabric of our daily lives but when laid out bluntly, it becomes clear why some men are choosing to resist hegemonic masculinity because of the harm it causes not only to others, but to themselves as well. Lots of men feel that being emotionally restricted and having to constantly prove one’s manhood are not the most fulfilling ways to live their lives. One of the exciting things about our generation is to see the variety of ways that men from all backgrounds are living past the confines of hegemonic masculinity. Whether it’s choosing not to prove manhood with violence, affirming people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, or challenging the sexism of male peers, the movement to live beyond hegemonic masculinity is finding encouragement and considerable backlash in all parts of society. (“Colorado State”) Some people believe that gender stereotypes don’t begin until later in the child's life but in reality it starts as soon as child begins any type of schooling, for example Teachers’ gender stereotypes and prejudices shape their classroom behaviour in at least three ways. First, teachers often model gender stereotypic behaviour. Female teachers, for example, often exhibit “math phobic” behaviours. Second, teachers often exhibit differential expectations for males