hegemonic masculinity: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowAcademic / Critical Theory
Quick answer
What does “hegemonic masculinity” mean?
The dominant, idealized, and socially enforced form of masculinity in a given culture, which subordinates other masculinities and femininities.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The dominant, idealized, and socially enforced form of masculinity in a given culture, which subordinates other masculinities and femininities.
A theoretical concept from gender studies describing the practice that legitimizes men's dominant position in society and justifies the subordination of women and other marginalized groups, along with non-dominant men. It is not about being overtly aggressive but about maintaining power through cultural consent, institutional authority, and perceived ideal norms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling follows regional norms (e.g., 'criticise' vs. 'criticize' in surrounding text). The concept is used identically in sociology and gender studies globally.
Connotations
Identical academic and critical connotations in both varieties. May carry a stronger association with cultural studies in UK academia and with sociology/gender studies in US academia, but the term itself is neutral.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined almost exclusively to academic, feminist, and critical discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “hegemonic masculinity” in a Sentence
[verb: challenge, reinforce, analyse, deconstruct, perform] + hegemonic masculinityhegemonic masculinity + [verb: dictates, privileges, marginalises, operates]the [adjective: patriarchal, dominant, local] hegemonic masculinity + [verb]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hegemonic masculinity” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The film seeks to *deconstruct* hegemonic masculinity.
- Boys are often socialised to *perform* hegemonic masculinity.
American English
- The study examines how media *reinforces* hegemonic masculinity.
- We must *challenge* hegemonic masculinity to achieve equity.
adjective
British English
- The *hegemonic-masculinity* model was central to her thesis.
- They analysed *hegemonic-masculinity* norms in football culture.
American English
- His research focuses on *hegemonic-masculinity* ideals in the military.
- A *hegemonic-masculinity* framework informs the analysis.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Might appear in a rare DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) training context discussing workplace culture.
Academic
Primary context. Used in sociology, gender studies, cultural studies, and critical theory papers and discussions.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would likely be misunderstood or sound jargonistic.
Technical
Core terminology in specific fields of sociology and feminist theory.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hegemonic masculinity”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hegemonic masculinity”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hegemonic masculinity”
- Using it as an adjective for an individual (e.g., 'He is so hegemonic masculine.') – it's a societal concept, not a personal trait.
- Equating it directly with 'toxic masculinity'. Toxic masculinity refers to harmful behaviours; hegemonic masculinity is the overarching system that may produce those behaviours.
- Pronouncing 'hegemonic' with a hard /g/ (as in 'get'). The standard pronunciation uses a soft /g/ as in 'gem' or a /dʒ/ sound.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Toxic masculinity refers to specific harmful behaviours and expectations associated with being a man (e.g., suppressing emotions, aggression). Hegemonic masculinity is the broader, culturally idealised pattern of masculinity that maintains men's dominant social position. Toxic behaviours can be one tool for maintaining hegemonic masculinity, but the concept itself is about systemic power, not just individual harm.
Not accurately. The term describes a societal norm or ideal, not a personality type. A man may conform to, perform, or benefit from hegemonic masculinity, but he is not himself 'hegemonic masculinity'. It is an abstract social structure.
Yes. Connell's theory describes multiple masculinities. Alongside hegemonic masculinity, there are 'subordinated masculinities' (e.g., gay masculinities), 'complicit masculinities' (men who benefit from but do not directly embody the ideal), and 'marginalized masculinities' (shaped by other factors like class or race).
It is borrowed from Antonio Gramsci's theory of cultural hegemony, which describes how ruling classes maintain power not just through coercion, but by making their worldview seem like 'common sense'. Similarly, hegemonic masculinity is maintained through media, institutions, and social practices that make it appear natural and desirable.
The dominant, idealized, and socially enforced form of masculinity in a given culture, which subordinates other masculinities and femininities.
Hegemonic masculinity is usually academic / critical theory in register.
Hegemonic masculinity: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhɛɡɪˈmɒnɪk ˌmæskjʊˈlɪnɪti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhɛdʒəˈmɑːnɪk ˌmæskjəˈlɪnəti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a HEGEMON (a dominant ruler) who is the IDEAL MALE (masculinity) in a society. 'Hegemonic Masculinity' is that ruling, 'ideal man' standard everyone is pressured to follow.
Conceptual Metaphor
MASCULINITY IS A HIERARCHY (with hegemonic at the top); SOCIETY IS A STAGE (where hegemonic masculinity is performed).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for using the term 'hegemonic masculinity'?