Consider the following statements.1. Hegemony arises when the dominant...
The concept of hegemonic masculinity has influenced gender studies across many academic fields but has also attracted serious criticism. The authors trace the origin of the concept in a convergence of ideas in the early 1980s and map the ways it was applied when research on men and masculinities expanded. Evaluating the principal criticisms, the authors defend the underlying concept of masculinity, which in most research use is neither reified nor essentialist. However, the criticism of trait models of gender and rigid typologies is sound. The treatment of the subject in research on hegemonic masculinity can be improved with the aid of recent psychological models, although limits to discursive flexibility must be recognized. The concept of hegemonic masculinity does not equate to a model of social reproduction; we need to recognize social struggles in which subordinated masculinities influence dominant forms. Finally, the authors review what has been confirmed from early formulations (the idea of multiple masculinities, the concept of hegemony, and the emphasis on change) and what needs to be discarded (one-dimensional treatment of hierarchy and trait conceptions of gender). The authors suggest reformulation of the concept in four areas: a more complex model of gender hierarchy, emphasizing the agency of women; explicit recognition of the geography of masculinities, emphasizing the interplay among local, regional, and global levels; a more specific treatment of embodiment in contexts of privilege and power; and a stronger emphasis on the dynamics of hegemonic masculinity, recognizing internal contradictions and the possibilities of movement toward gender democracy.
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Consider the following statements.1. Hegemony arises when the dominant...
Explanation:
1. Hegemony and Consent:
Hegemony does not solely rely on military power but is also about winning the consent of the dominated classes. It involves shaping the worldview of the dominated classes to align with the interests of the dominant class. Antonio Gramsci, an Italian Marxist theorist, introduced the concept of hegemony, emphasizing the role of cultural and ideological factors in maintaining power.
- Hegemony arises when the dominant class or country can win the consent of dominant classes.
- It involves persuading the dominated classes to view the world in a manner favorable to the ascendancy of the dominant class.
- Cultural and ideological factors play a crucial role in establishing and maintaining hegemony.
2. Military Power and Hegemony:
While military power can be a tool in maintaining hegemony, it is not the only factor at play. Hegemony is about more than just coercion; it involves the subtle shaping of minds and worldviews. The idea that a dominant power uses only military force to influence other powers oversimplifies the concept of hegemony.
- The notion of hegemony goes beyond just military power.
- Hegemony involves cultural, ideological, and economic aspects in addition to military influence.
- Winning consent and shaping worldviews are essential components of hegemony.
Therefore, statement 1 is correct in highlighting the role of consent and persuasion in hegemony, while statement 2 oversimplifies the concept by focusing solely on military power.