ABSTRACT

This chapter describes some of the virtues and difficulties emerging from the theorization of masculinities and men's plurality, on the basis of three central arguments. It also focuses on the growing link between masculinity studies and globalization theories, with the focus on non-western masculinities and, broadly, on post-colonial gender issues. The chapter discusses the most basic gender dualism, which sets men against women. The latent dualist universalism of Raewyn Connell's model, which emerges from the tying up of relations between genders and within genders, has been harshly criticized by a variety of authors who have thoroughly discussed the concept of hegemonic masculinity. The chapter explains that discussion of 'ethnic appropriation' offers an even wider field for examining the complex making of masculinities. In western societies, black and other ethnic minority men are encapsulated in what Connell considers marginal masculinities. The chapter intends to develop a reflection on power and hegemony by relating them to the hybrid character of masculinity.