Interrogating “political masculinities”

Abstract

This article interrogates the concept of “political masculinities” in terms of its usefulness as an analytical category. The article covers four major areas associated with the concept. First, some critical questions concerning the dichotomy between studying “men in politics” and “political masculinities” are offered. Second, concerns are raised regarding specific terms used in the current definition of political masculinities. Third, probing queries are presented on the conceptual utility of political masculinities as an analytical category. Finally, the article closes with a discussion of ex-US President Donald Trump, illustrating his distinct type of dominating masculinity and how this masculinity illuminates the substance and meaning of his “politics.”