Contemporary Theories of Masculinities

Prerequisites

This course is open to advanced BA or MA students from the University of Warsaw, especially those enrolled in cultural studies, gender studies, sociology, anthropology, literature, or related fields. While no prior coursework in masculinity studies is required, students are expected to demonstrate:

* A good command of English (B2 level minimum), enabling them to follow academic discussions and read theoretical texts fluently.

* Familiarity with basic concepts in gender and cultural theory (e.g. social constructivism, patriarchy, intersectionality).

* Willingness to engage critically with complex texts and participate actively in seminar discussions.

* Ability to work independently, submit written assignments on time, and respect academic integrity rules.

Students unfamiliar with feminist theory or gender studies are encouraged to do preparatory reading before the course begins. A short reading list will be provided upon request.

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COURSE ANNOTATION

This course explores the interdisciplinary field of Masculinity Studies, examining how masculinities are constructed, performed, and challenged across historical and contemporary contexts. It covers key concepts such as hegemonic, complicit, and protest masculinities while analyzing masculinity’s intersections with feminism, race, class, sexuality, and nationality. Students will engage with contemporary debates on topics like toxic masculinity, media representations, and ecological masculinities. Through critical readings, discussions, and written assignments, students will develop analytical skills to assess masculinities in various social and cultural contexts. The course is structured over twelve weeks, combining theoretical exploration with case studies and media analysis.

SESSION TOPICS

Session 1 – Introduction to the Course

Session 2 – Introduction to the Masculinity Studies

Overview: Introduction to the course structure, objectives, and key debates in Masculinity Studies. Discussion of core concepts, including the social construction of masculinities.

Food for thought: How often do men experience and reflect on their masculinity throughout the day?

Required reading:

· Kimmel, M. S. (1997). Masculinity as homophobia: Fear, shame and silence in the construction of gender identity. In M. M. Gergen & S. N. Davis (Eds.), Toward a new psychology of gender (pp. 223–242).

· Hearn, J. & Howson, R. (2019). “The Institutionalization of (Critical) Studies on Men and Masculinities.” In L. Gottzén, U. Mellström & T. Shefer (Eds.), Routledge International Handbook of Masculinity Studies (pp.19-30).

Additional Reading:

· Connell, R. W. (1995). Masculinities (Chapter 3).

Session 3 – Masculinity and Feminism

Overview: The relationship between masculinity and feminism. The role of masculinity in feminist theories.

Food for thought: Does feminism truly contribute to the dismantling of the patriarchal system?

Required reading:

· hooks, b. (2004). The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love (Chapters 1 and 2).

· Holmgren, L. E., & Hearn, J. (2009). Framing ‘men in feminism’: theoretical locations, local contexts and practical passings in men’s gender-conscious positionings on gender equality and feminism. Journal of Gender Studies, 18(4), 403–418.

· Beasley, Ch. (2019). “Feminism and Men/Masculinities Scholarship: Connections, Disjunctions, and Possibilities.” In L. Gottzén, U. Mellström & T. Shefer (Eds.), Routledge International Handbook of Masculinity Studies (pp.31-40).

Additional Reading:

· Wiegman, R. (2002). Unmaking: Men and Masculinity in Feminist Theory.

· Van der Gaag, N. (2014). Feminism and Men.

Session 4 Hegemonic and Complicit Masculinity

Overview: Examination of hegemonic masculinity and its critiques. Understanding complicity in masculinity.

Food for thought: Is every man a beneficiary of patriarchy?

Required reading:

· Howson, R. & Hearn, J. (2019). Hegemony, Hegemonic Masculinity, and Beyond. In L. Gottzén, U. Mellström & T. Shefer (Eds.), Routledge International Handbook of Masculinity Studies (pp.41-51).

· Connell, R. W., & Messerschmidt, J. W. (2005). “Hegemonic Masculinity: Rethinking the Concept.” Gender and Society, Vol. 19, No. 6 (pp. 829-859).

· Katarzyna Wojnicka (2021) Invisible yet significant: the case of complicit masculinities’ transparency in power, NORMA, Vol. 16, No. 4, (pp. 200-204).

Session 5 Protest Masculinities

Overview: Concept of protest masculinity and its implications for gender roles and identity.

Food for thought: Do you think it is always easy to meet the requirements of the hegemonic masculinity model? Who might find it restrictive or uncomfortable?

Required reading:

· Connell, R. W. (1995). Masculinities (pp. 109-119)

· Bridges, T. & Pascoe, C. J. (2014). “Hybrid Masculinities.” Sociology Compass.

· Allan, J. A. (2020). “Queer Theory and Critical Masculinity Studies.” In L. Gottzén, U. Mellström & T. Shefer (Eds.), Routledge International Handbook of Masculinity Studies (pp.72-81).

Additional Reading:

· Wetherell, M. & Edley, N. (1999). “Negotiating Hegemonic Masculinity.” Feminism & Psychology.

· Filipowicz, M., & Zachová, A. (2016). Constructions of modern Czech masculinity and feminity in memoirs written at the turn of the 19th century (1870–1918). European Journal of Cultural Studies, 19(6), 598-615.

Session 6 – Sexuality and Masculinity

Overview: The role of masculinity in shaping and being shaped by sexuality.

Food for thought: Is sexuality truly the essence of masculinity, or is it rather artificially driven by cultural discourse?

Required reading:

· hooks, b. (2004). The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love (Chapter 5).

· Garlick, S. (2019). “Sexual Affects: Masculinity and Online Pornographies.” In L. Gottzén, U. Mellström & T. Shefer (Eds.), Routledge International Handbook of Masculinity Studies (pp. 253-261).

· Haywood, Ch. (2019). “Exploring Men, Masculinity, and Contemporary Dating Practices.” In L. Gottzén, U. Mellström & T. Shefer (Eds.), Routledge International Handbook of Masculinity Studies (pp. 262-272).

Additional Reading:

· Vera-Gray F. (2024). Women on Porn.

Session 7 - Masculinities in Media and Popular Culture

Reaction paper due APRIL 3, 2025. SEE ASSIGNMENT IN MS TEAMS!

Overview: Representations of masculinity in media and popular culture.

Food for thought: Do you prefer James Bond or the Swedish series Bonus Family?

Required reading:

· Moss. M. (2011). The Media and the Models of Masculinity (Chapters 2 and 4)

· Potts, C., & Stebleton, M. J. (2023). Behind the Digital Mask: Examining Social Media and Masculinity. About Campus, Vol. 28, No. 4 (pp. 4-13).

Additional Reading:

· Maaranen A, Tienari J. (2020) Social media and hyper-masculine work cultures. Gender Work & Organization. Vol. 27 (pp. 1127–1144). https://doi.org/10.1111/gwao.12450.

Session 8 - Backlash and Toxic Masculinity

Overview: Exploring backlash against changing gender norms and the concept of toxic masculinity.

Food for thought: Who is the most toxic: Putin, Trump, or Musk?

Required reading:

· Maricourt, C. de, & Burrell, S. R. (2022). #MeToo or #MenToo? Expressions of Backlash and Masculinity Politics in the #MeToo Era. The Journal of Men’s Studies, Vol., No. 1, (pp. 49-69). https://doi.org/10.1177/10608265211035794

· Lucy, S. (2024). Slippages in the Application of Hegemonic Masculinity: A Case Study of Incels. Men and Masculinities, Vol. 27, No. 2, (pp. 127-148). https://doi.org/10.1177/1097184X241240415

Additional reading:

· Bates L. (2020), Men who Hate Women, London: Simon & Schoster.

Session 9 - Masculinity and Climate Change

Overview: The role of masculinity in environmental crises and sustainability.

Food for thought:

Required reading:

· Hultman, M. & Pule, P. (2020). Ecological Masculinities: A Response to the Manthropocene Question In L. Gottzén, U. Mellström & T. Shefer (Eds.), Routledge International Handbook of Masculinity Studies (pp. 477-487).

· Pease, B. (2020). “Masculinism, Climate Change, and ‘Man-Made’ Disasters: Toward an Environmental Profeminist Response.” In Enarson E. & Pease B. (2016) Men, Masculinities and Disaster, London: Routledge (pp.21-33)

Additional listening:

· https://open.spotify.com/episode/3saKxGrro4Myaj53jMwHAB?si=18fwgdlJTkqSyIMB9ZdE9g

Session 10 Health and Masculinity

Overview: Examining health behaviors and medicalization of masculinity.

Food for thought: Have you ever wondered why men statistically live shorter lives in all countries and why that is?

Required reading:

· Stibbe, A. (2004). Health and the Social Construction of Masculinity in Men’s Health Magazine. Men and Masculinities, Vol 7, No. 1 (pp. 31-51). https://doi.org/10.1177/1097184X03257441

· Robertson, S. & Shand, T. (2019). In L. Gottzén, U. Mellström & T. Shefer (Eds.), Routledge International Handbook of Masculinity Studies “Men, Health, and Medicalization: An Overview.” (pp. 360-370)

Additional listening:

· https://open.spotify.com/episode/3oSba20pTtCNSI9aAob3TF?si=d072e80b7a30418c

Session 11 Militarism and Masculinity

Session 12 Summary of Previous Discussions and Individual Essay Consultations

1. Kimmel, Michael S. (1997). Masculinity as Homophobia: Fear, Shame and Silence in the Construction of Gender Identity. In: M. M. Gergen & S. N. Davis (Eds.), Toward a New Psychology of Gender (pp. 223–242). New York: Routledge.

2. Hearn, Jeff & Howson, Richard (2019). The Institutionalization of (Critical) Studies on Men and Masculinities. In: L. Gottzén, U. Mellström & T. Shefer (Eds.), Routledge International Handbook of Masculinity Studies (pp. 19–30). London: Routledge.

3. Connell, R. W. (1995). Masculinities. Berkeley: University of California Press. (relevant: Chapter 3, pp. 67–86; Chapter on Protest Masculinities: pp. 109–119)

4. hooks, bell (2004). The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love. New York: Atria Books. (Chapters 1, 2, 5)

5. Holmgren, Linn E. & Hearn, Jeff (2009). Framing ‘Men in Feminism’: Theoretical Locations, Local Contexts and Practical Passings in Men’s Gender-Conscious Positionings on Gender Equality and Feminism. Journal of Gender Studies, 18(4), 403–418.

6. Beasley, Christine (2019). Feminism and Men/Masculinities Scholarship: Connections, Disjunctions, and Possibilities. In: L. Gottzén, U. Mellström & T. Shefer (Eds.), Routledge International Handbook of Masculinity Studies (pp. 31–40). London: Routledge.

7. Wiegman, Robyn (2002). Unmaking: Men and Masculinity in Feminist Theory. Durham: Duke University Press.

8. Van der Gaag, Nikki (2014). Feminism and Men. London: Zed Books.

9. Connell, R. W. & Messerschmidt, James W. (2005). Hegemonic Masculinity: Rethinking the Concept. Gender & Society, 19(6), 829–859.

10. Wojnicka, Katarzyna (2021). Invisible yet Significant: The Case of Complicit Masculinities’ Transparency in Power. NORMA: International Journal for Masculinity Studies, 16(4), 200–204.

11. Bridges, Tristan & Pascoe, C. J. (2014). Hybrid Masculinities. Sociology Compass, 8(3), 246–258.

12. Allan, Jonathan A. (2020). Queer Theory and Critical Masculinity Studies. In: L. Gottzén, U. Mellström & T. Shefer (Eds.), Routledge International Handbook of Masculinity Studies (pp. 72–81). London: Routledge.

13. Wetherell, Margaret & Edley, Nigel (1999). Negotiating Hegemonic Masculinity. Feminism & Psychology, 9(3), 335–356.

14. Filipowicz, Marcin & Zachová, Adéla (2016). Constructions of Modern Czech Masculinity and Femininity in Memoirs Written at the Turn of the 19th Century (1870–1918). European Journal of Cultural Studies, 19(6), 598–615.

15. Garlick, Steve (2019). Sexual Affects: Masculinity and Online Pornographies. In: L. Gottzén, U. Mellström & T. Shefer (Eds.), Routledge International Handbook of Masculinity Studies (pp. 253–261). London: Routledge.

16. Haywood, Chris (2019). Exploring Men, Masculinity, and Contemporary Dating Practices. In: L. Gottzén, U. Mellström & T. Shefer (Eds.), Routledge International Handbook of Masculinity Studies (pp. 262–272). London: Routledge.

17. Vera-Gray, Fiona (2024). Women on Porn. London: Verso.

18. Moss, Mark (2011). The Media and the Models of Masculinity. Lanham: Lexington Books. (Chapters 2 and 4)

19. Potts, Craig & Stebleton, Michael J. (2023). Behind the Digital Mask: Examining Social Media and Masculinity. About Campus, 28(4), 4–13.

20. Maaranen, Anna & Tienari, Janne (2020). Social Media and Hyper-Masculine Work Cultures. Gender, Work & Organization, 27(6), 1127–1144. [https://doi.org/10.1111/gwao.12450](https://doi.org/10.1111/gwao.12450)

21. Maricourt, Camille de & Burrell, S. R. (2022). #MeToo or #MenToo? Expressions of Backlash and Masculinity Politics in the #MeToo Era. The Journal of Men’s Studies, 30(1), 49–69. [https://doi.org/10.1177/10608265211035794](https://doi.org/10.1177/10608265211035794)

22. Lucy, Sarah (2024). Slippages in the Application of Hegemonic Masculinity: A Case Study of Incels. Men and Masculinities, 27(2), 127–148. [https://doi.org/10.1177/1097184X241240415](https://doi.org/10.1177/1097184X241240415)

23. Bates, Laura (2020). Men Who Hate Women. London: Simon & Schuster.

24. Hultman, Martin & Pule, Paul M. (2020). Ecological Masculinities: A Response to the Manthropocene Question. In: L. Gottzén, U. Mellström & T. Shefer (Eds.), Routledge International Handbook of Masculinity Studies (pp. 477–487). London: Routledge.

25. Pease, Bob (2016). Masculinism, Climate Change, and ‘Man-Made’ Disasters: Toward an Environmental Profeminist Response. In: E. Enarson & B. Pease (Eds.), Men, Masculinities and Disaster (pp. 21–33). London: Routledge.

26. Stibbe, Arran (2004). Health and the Social Construction of Masculinity in Men’s Health Magazine. Men and Masculinities, 7(1), 31–51. [https://doi.org/10.1177/1097184X03257441](https://doi.org/10.1177/1097184X03257441)

27. Robertson, Steve & Shand, Tom (2019). Men, Health, and Medicalization: An Overview. In: L. Gottzén, U. Mellström & T. Shefer (Eds.), Routledge International Handbook of Masculinity Studies (pp. 360–370). London: Routledge.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Define and critically discuss key concepts within Masculinity Studies, including hegemonic, complicit, subordinate, and protest masculinities.

2. Analyze the social construction of masculinities in historical and contemporary contexts, including intersections with race, class, sexuality, nation, and disability.

3. Apply theoretical frameworks from Gender Studies and Cultural Studies to various cultural texts and social practices involving masculinities.

4. Evaluate representations of masculinity in film, media, literature, and public discourse using an interdisciplinary, critical lens.

5. Identify and reflect on the ways masculinity is performed, regulated, and challenged in both everyday life and institutional contexts.

6. Engage in respectful, inclusive discussion on topics related to gender, identity, power, and social norms.

7. Produce independent academic writing that demonstrates argumentation, critical insight, and proper use of scholarly sources in the analysis of masculinity-related phenomena.

8. Recognize the ideological dimensions of masculinity discourses, including toxic masculinity, backlash, and ecological masculinity, and articulate informed responses to them.

Methods of Assessment and Grading

NOTE: Students must complete all requirements listed below in order to receive a grade for the course. A maximum of two unexcused absences is allowed. Any additional absences must be excused and can be made up during individual consultations with the instructor.

Active participation in class discussions – 40%

In discussions, students will showcase and discuss readings for individual sessions. They come to class prepared and with good knowledge of mandatory readings. This activity constitutes an integral part of the overall grade. In discussions, all participants use inclusive language and practice respect to create a safe learning environment.

One short paper, 500 words in length – 20%

Assignment will be made available in MS Teams.

Final paper – 40%

The final paper is an academic essay that critically analyzes a selected artifact, film, literary work, media representation, or cultural phenomenon through the lens of Masculinity Studies. The analysis should engage with key theoretical concepts from the course, such as hegemonic, complicit, or protest masculinities, and discuss intersections with feminist theories, gender studies, and broader sociocultural frameworks. Ideally, the paper should establish a critical argument about the role and construction of masculinities in contemporary societies. It is essential that the paper be analytical, not descriptive in its structure. The length should be 1,500 to 2,000 words (excluding bibliography). As an academic paper, it must include a properly formatted bibliography, use inter-textual/parenthetical references, and adhere to formal academic language. The paper is an individual assignment, not a group project. Any original approach or innovative topic is welcome and encouraged!

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

The use of AI tools is permitted only for technical and language-related support (e.g., proofreading, stylistic corrections, formatting, or checking grammar). It is strictly prohibited to use AI for generating substantive content or arguments. All conceptual work, analysis, and critical reasoning must be the student’s own.

Student workload in ECTS (5 ECTS = 1140-150 hours):

– Participation in classes: 30 hours - 1ECTS

– Preparation for classes (mandatory readings, notes, preparation for discussions): 45 hours - 1,5 ECTS

– Preparation of the short paper: 15 hours - 0,5 ECTS

– Preparation of the final paper: 50-60 hours - 2 ECTS

Total: 140-150 hours (5 ECTS).