ABSTRACT
A gender perspective draws attention to the multiple masculinities and masculinity hierarchies within the private security companies (PSCs) industry. This chapter focuses on the concept of masculinity before turning to the discourse analysis which reveals the multiple masculinities on which PSCs and the security industry rest. Cost-benefit analyses have for a long time been predominant in studies related to privatised security. They emphasise efficiency and effectiveness, focus on quantifiable and technical criteria, and are based on the assumption that PSCs are apolitical actors. The mingling of more traditional forms of masculinity with feminine attributes is also apparent in the corporate responsibility that PSCs claim for themselves. A gender perspective draws attention to the multiple masculinities and masculinity hierarchies within the PSC industry. It makes people aware that PSCs are not neutral or apolitical actors but actively take part in the re-construction of gendered categories.
