Murrell, SN; (2008) Men and masculinity - A comparative study of forms and meanings. Masters thesis (M.Phil), University of London.

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Abstract

Recent social research has challenged the idea of there being a unitary model of hegemonic masculinity. Rather, there exist varieties of masculinity — some dominant, others subordinate, some alternative and yet others oppositional in nature. Different kinds of masculinity have their origins in factors as diverse as class, age, culture, ethnicity and sexuality, among other variables, and reflect the intersections between these factors. While there has been some progress in illustrating how social class may structure differing masculinities, relatively little is known about how other social variables and, in particular, race and ethnicity affect the formation of masculinities. The aim of this study, therefore, was, in a preliminary way at least, to generate new knowledge about how the experiences and perspectives of two groups of men who differed in terms of ethno-cultural background, influenced their sense of self and their masculinity. A group of men of Indian descent and a comparable group of men of white British descent, aged between 18-23 years, residing in Greater London and having (or had had) a university education, were selected. The men of Indian descent were further chosen on the basis of having a Hindu background. Individual interviews exploring elements of life history and, in particular, the role of the family, religion and peer relations, took place in private. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed and data were analysed thematically. The men's accounts reveal something of the role of race and ethnicity in structuring forms of masculinity. Findings suggest that religious, familial and peer relations (and the interaction between these) play a powerful role in influencing the formation of racialized masculinities. Findings are discussed in relation to existing theoretical frameworks so as to progress understanding of the multifaceted influences on the formation of masculinities.

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