Masculinity : Masculinity And Masculinity

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The running theme throughout this analysis is the notion that Bronies are challenging commonly held perceptions about masculinity. Previous sections highlight how Bronies conduct themselves around others, even in environments where conceptions of hypermasculinity are considered the norm such as the military Bronies. However, this is where the analysis begins to take a critical turn by addressing the current state of masculinity studies. Within this academic field, hegemonic masculinity serves as the primary framework of all masculinity studies which allows for alternative masculinities so long as they can rationalize their actions as masculine. This section of analysis will put forward the idea that there is another potential masculinity occurring within the Brony fandom which does not follow similar patterns of construction which includes appropriation. An examination of how masculinity changes through contextual circumstances is required followed by an investigation of Eric Anderson’s inclusive masculinity. Finally, this will culminate in a new framework for the concept of concordant masculinity which describes how this gender construct is capable of changing the current understandings of the concept.
Hegemonic masculinity creates a system of hierarchal categories of masculinity which prioritizes certain traits over others by dismissing alternatives as abject. Attributes given privilege receive greater emphasis and promoted as an ideal. However, there are instances when those ideals do not have the required resources and must go through an alteration in order to justify its masculinity.
Sometimes the circumstances of a situation do not permit for dominant notions of masculinity to persist. In these instances, dominant form...

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...ommunity they grew up. Migration of young people to larger city centers where employment is more readily available is part of the issue facing rural regions because industries that fostered growth in the area are declining or gone. If the young men of a region decide to stay and take an occupation that is considered feminine, their gender transgression is overlooked. Their decision to stay in the local area demonstrates loyalty to the community which allows them to remain masculine in the eyes of the locals. This serves as a social proof for these young men because the compromise allows them to remain masculine even if their chosen profession is often regarded as a feminine vocation. Bye’s work illustrates how rural masculinities become flexible and fluid by allowing seeming contradictions to exist in regions where many might consider such a thing an impossibility.

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