Hegemonic Male

The construction of masculinity is becoming a field of growing interest because it is opening up new and fascinating perspectives, thus adding a further dimension to Gender Studies. However, so far the analysis has focused mostly on homosexuality. By contrast, the author examines social processes and relations that constitute hegemonic masculinity, the central model that attempts to subordinate alternative masculinities, and which is the model of male domination, compulsory monogamy, heterosexuality and reproduction. It is fascinating to follow the author as he gradually unfolds this kind of masculinity in its nearly pure state. Moreover, he involves the reader in his critical reflections on the material and invites him or her to give some thought to such wider questions as whether the hegemonic male is more resistant to change in oral cultures than in urban settings, or up to which point the agents of domination are also its victims. In fact, the author concludes that the hegemonic male is an ideal model practically unattainable by any single man, which exerts over all men a strong controlling power and often forces on them ritualization of everyday behavior that leads to an impoverishment of their lives.

CHOICE OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC BOOK OF THE YEAR 1997 "... A stimulating and skillfully crafted book ... An important contribution to gender studies and to the anthropology of Europe."  ·  Choice "... a highly successful study which maps masculinity in all its 'constructedness' and fragility ... it is excellent on the present and its immediate historical past."  ·  South European Society & Politics "This detailed and meticulously researched book will be valuable to anthropologists, but also toreaders interested in Southern Europe and Gender Studies."  ·  Journal of Area Studies "... an important addition to the literature of gender studies ... well worth reading."   ·  H-Net Reviews (H-SAE)

Miguel Vale de Almeida is lecturer of Anthropology at I.S.C.T.E., Lisbon. He is also a political and social activist in Portugal, and a fiction writer.