Progress towards gender parity is hindered by unconscious ways that hypermasculinity is valorized at a symbolic level. By deconstructing how social and textual phenomena as well as social structures contribute to gender performativity, we can elucidate hard-to-discern patterns that perpetuate hegemonic masculinity. The subliminal elevation of symbols of hypermasculinity excludes both women and non-gender conforming men. By delving into these symbolic meanings that operate subliminally, we can more effectively debunk beliefs that “real men” fall within narrow parameters of masculinity. There remains much to explore in terms of hidden pressures for men to constrain their expression of emotions, project an appearance of hardness, and equate violence with power, to name just a few persistent facets of toxic masculinity. While abstract forms of inculcating hypermasculinity are difficult to identify, interrogating their role in masculine performativity will result in a more comprehensive understanding of impediments to gender equality.

What does it mean to be male in today’s world? This volume interrogates the myriad practices and myth-making that underlie dominant and subordinate constructions of masculinities around the world. Challenging the patriarchal bias that restricts alternative understanding of masculinities, this volume documents and shares evidence, insights and direction on how men and boys can creatively contribute to gender equality in the twenty-first century. The book: highlights the many lives of men and their interactions with socioeconomic and political processes, including the family, fatherhood, migration, development and violence; critiques hegemonic masculinities, and grapples with effective practices that engage men in the empowerment of women; explores how cultures of masculinity can be transformed to promote social justice, conflict-resolution and peace-building within and across nations The book will be indispensable to researchers interested in critical masculinity studies, women’s studies, sociology, social anthropology, law, public policy, political science and international relations. It will also be of great relevance to government officials, NGO activists, and other practitioners concerned with gender, health and development issues.

The authors concentrate on masculinities in contemporary film, literature and diverse forms of popular culture and argue that the subversion of traditional images of masculinity is both a source of gender contestation and may equally be susceptible to assimilation by new hegemonic configurations of masculinity.

The representations and performances of femininity and masculinity are no longer set in stone according to traditions imposed by society. Gender identity and gender roles are evolving. This ebook provides multiple perspectives on the issue that re-frame the debate in a modern context.

In this book, the authors discuss the stereotypes and myths, psychology and role of culture in masculinity and femininity gender issues. Topics include student teachers' changing perceptions of gender advantages and disadvantages in the New Zealand primary school environment; the performance of black masculinity in Michael Jackson's "Bad" video; masculinity among Latino men in the wake of Arizona's 1070 Senate bill; changing masculinity norms in China and India from advertising-based observations; "Mulan" and western military mothers; gendered attitudes, beliefs and behaviors of Latino and Caucasian men; the effect of culture and gender on the relationship between justice and organizational outcomes in Korea and Malaysia; measuring gender myths and gender-sensitive research in experimental psychology; and the influence of perceived masculinity upon college males' health and wellness.

"This two volume set includes 213 entries with over 4,700 references to additional works on gender and information technology"--Provided by publisher.