GNDS 125 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Consumerism, Casual Sex, Softcore Pornography

• School: Queen's University
• Department: Gender Studies
• Course: GNDS 125
• Professor: Scott Morgensen

Document Summary

There are several masculinities in contemporary western culture which are constituted through diverse and changing systems of representations of men. Three key discourse of masculinity: old man, new man and new lad. Traditional masculinity = original type of masculinity associated with the. The discourse of traditional masculinity: the old man. Discourse of traditional masculinity refers to those values and behaviours which have traditionally been seen as typically male, as defining men. Traditional masculinity directly juxtaposes men and women. Men are presented as strong, active, powerful, authoritative, hard, aggressive, violent, competitive and rational and lacking sensitivity and emotions. Women are conceptualized as soft, weak, passive, submissive, powerless, peaceful, sensitive, emotional and caring. Physical strength derives from possessing a strong, large and muscular body and tough mental attitude. Social power institutionalized through men"s financial income and independence. Position held as head of the family and household. Looking good, beautifying yourself and being sexually attractive = women"s realm.