Finding space in the field of masculinity

Abstract

Hegemonic masculinity as a theoretical concept separates those men in a dominant position who are able to live up to the cultural ideal and attain hegemonic status from those who are subordinated and marginalized by it. Yet men's lived experiences of masculinity are not necessarily of being subordinated by the cultural ideal. Many men feel comfortable with their masculine identities despite an inability to fit the hegemonic ideal. Based on qualitative empirical research, this article identifies the strategies men use to successfully negotiate masculinities over the life course, and that enable men to adopt dominant masculinities in their everyday lived experiences while ultimately being subordinated in relation to the culturally dominant, hegemonic masculine ideal. Such strategies include reformulating definitions of masculinity, emphasizing maleness as innately masculine, and operating in subfields in the field of masculinity where the capital that men own is valued and their position dominant in relation to other men.