Who Cares? Hegemonic Masculinity Under A Caring Lens

Abstract

This research is an exploration of the relations between hegemonic masculinity and care. The thesis starts with R.W Connell’s conceptualisation of masculinity and concludes that masculinity is not inherently problematic but is rendered so by hegemonic masculinity, which sustains its harmful parts. Hegemonic masculinity is a concept that maintains rigid gender norms to project an almost always unattainable ideal of masculinity, hierarchically positing masculinities in relation to each other. This creates damaging consequences on men’s lives, leading to the problematisation of the concept and the search for ways to challenge it. Turning to feminist care theory and identifying the framework’s principles, the research shows that care in itself is not always in line with these principles, as care under hegemonic masculinity is present but restrictive and antagonistic to feminist care theory’s values. Further justifying the need to disrupt the hegemonic model, the concept of “caring masculinities” is thus explored, theorising how caring practices in line with feminist care theory can challenge the oppression that is present within hegemonic masculinity. Looking at caring masculinities’ practical applications, the thesis investigates how childcare can lead men to feel less pressured by hegemonic masculinity’s norms, and nurture parts of their identity they have long discarded. While acknowledging the benefits of parental caregiving as a care practice, it is also argued that receiving emotional care can be a beneficial tool to challenge the hegemonic model. The research concludes that a large obstacle in disrupting hegemonic masculinity is rigid and punitive gender norms, arguing that care is one way in which these norms can be challenged, potentially leading towards a transformation of hegemonic masculinity.