This concept was introduced by R.W. Connell in 1995 in her book “Masculinities.”^[1]  This hierarchy included four categories of masculinity: hegemonic, complicit, marginalized and subordinate^[2].

Hegemonic masculinity is the dominant form of masculinity that is expected in our society.  While it may not be the most prevalent kind of masculinity, it is culturally valued the most^[3].  Qualities that are associated with hegemonic masculinities include heterosexuality, whiteness, physical strength and suppression of emotions such as sadness^[4]

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An exmaple of someone who is displaying qualities of hegemonic masculinity like physical strength and whiteness

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Complicit masculinity is a kind of masculinity in which a man may not fit into all the characteristics of hegemonic masculinity but do not do much to challenge it either.  Since they are not challenging the systems of gender that are present in our societies they do receive some benefits from being male^[5].

Marginalized masculinity is a form of masculinity in which a man does not have access to the hegemonic masculinity because of certain characteristics he has such as his race^[6].  However, men who have a marginalized masculinity still subscribe to norms that are emphasized in hegemonic masculinity including aggression, suppressing emotions such as sadness and physical strength^[7].  Men of colour and disabled men are examples of men that experience marginalized masculinity^[8].

The last category of masculinity is subordinate masculinity.  Males who are seen as having a subordinate masculinity exhibit qualities that are opposite to those that are valued in hegemonic masculinity such as physical weakness and exhibition of emotions like sadness^[9].  Effeminate and gay men are examples of men who exhibit a subordinate masculinity identity^[10]

An example of someone who is displaying qualities of subordinate masculinity like being effeminate. 

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Below is a video that addresses the way the media constructs masculinity and some of the effects of this. 

External Links

How the Media Define Masculinity

Outline of a Workshop that examined Masculinity in the Media