How can masculinity be analyzed? How do groups of men behave among themselves and what are the implications? Which groups of men have which power? And what does masculinity have to do with racism, classism, or homophobia?
This month, we focus on one of the central concepts for approaching these questions: Hegemonic Masculinity. It was made famous by Raewyn Connell, especially by her book "Masculinities", which was published in its first edition in 1995. Since then, her theory has been constantly developed and combined with other approaches.
With all the background and criticism that has gone into it, the theory itself is very extensive. Therefore, it is difficult to sum it up in simple, short words. Through our editing, some aspects and connections are lost. Nevertheless, we want to offer an insight that is as accessible as possible.
The part we are highlighting is mainly about masculinity and the hierarchies as well as dynamics among men. In the context of the calendar we consider this aspect important, but we want to make clear that masculinity theory is only a small aspect of feminist debate.
In addition to Connell's book, we have also used other sources from her and from the Dissens Verein from Berlin. The latter does not work sociologically or theoretically, but applies the concept quite concretely in gender-reflective pedagogy. We refer here primarily to the brochure "Männlichkeitsanforderungen - Impulse kritischer Männlichkeitstheorie für eine geschlechterreflektierte Pädagogik mit Jungen" by Olaf Stuve and Katharina Debus.
As always, we welcome feedback via our mail address: kritischer_kalender@riseup.net