“Masculinities”
refers to the numerous and diverse ways that masculinity is expressed
and experienced in various cultural, social, and geographic contexts, as
well as the ways it is created, enacted, and understood in response to
shifting social, cultural, and economic factors. However, the notion of
masculinity is dramatically altering as society drastically alters
gender roles, expectations, and standards. The traditional idea of
masculinity—one that is marked by traits like stoicism, dominance, and
emotional restraint—has been challenged and deconstructed more and more
recently. The increased awareness of the negative aspects of traditional
masculinity has brought forth a major push for more inclusive and
varied definitions of masculinity that accommodate a wider range of
gender expressions and behaviours. Moreover, the advancements in gender
equality and women’s empowerment will have a major impact on future
masculinities. Today the inflexible conceptions of traditional
masculinity are being challenged as more and more women achieve success
and shatter stereotypes in industries that have traditionally been
controlled by men, for instance, mining. In an effort to disprove the
idea that men should only be providers and breadwinners, men are taking
up roles as nurturers, carers, and partners in domestic activities.
Next,
the debate of masculinity has intensified as a result of the growing
visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ people. Men of all sexual
orientations and gender identities are paving the way for more flexible
and inclusive ideas of what it means to be a man by challenging
conventional norms and embracing their actual masculinity and displaying
it in ways that are congruent with their unique traits.
Furthermore,
emotional and mental health of individuals are being reevaluated as the
world evolves, which has a significant impact on masculinities. Men are
urged to communicate their emotions honestly, cultivate emotional
intelligence, and seek treatment for mental health issues. This defies
the idea that being vulnerable indicates weakness and fosters more
robust, rounded male emotions. In the future, it is likely that we will
continue to see the diversification and redefinition of masculinities.
Men will have more freedom to express their gender identity and personal
preferences without conforming to rigid stereotypes. This evolution may
lead to a society where individuals are judged based on their character
and values rather than their adherence to traditional gender roles.
However, challenges remain: the pressure to conform to traditional
masculinity still exists in many parts of the world, and gender
inequality persists in various forms. Thus efforts to redefine
masculinity must continue to address these issues and promote a more
inclusive and equitable society.
The future of masculinities in a
changing world is a complex and dynamic subject with numerous cultural,
social, and psychological facets. The future of masculinities in a
changing world will be defined by a shift away from rigid, traditional
norms and towards more inclusive, diverse, and emotionally conscious
representations of masculinity. As society continues to evolve, so too
will our understanding of gender and the roles and expectations
associated with it. The way forward involves challenging harmful
stereotypes, advancing gender equality, and fostering a society where
men can authentically express their masculinity while respecting the
autonomy and diversity of others.
This proposed book volume will
examine the debates surrounding masculinities in both the global north
and south. It is crucial to examine the scattered hegemonies/
masculinities because the historical world-system is rife with
injustices, racism, and colonialism, and because discourses on
masculinities that focus on the global north and south fall short in
addressing the complexities of masculinities. This book volume will
investigate the prominent masculinity constructs of the global north and
the south in order to understand how feminism, globalisation, and
shifting gender roles have affected masculinities currently and
speculate on where masculinities may go in the future. We invite
articles that broaden perspectives on the future of masculinities in a
changing world. The topics may cover, but are not limited to:
• Masculinity as a concept
• Masculinity vs. biological maleness
• Being a man: a way of life/ a cause/ an idea
• Construction of masculinity/ies in global north & global south
•
Impact of colonialism, post-colonialism, cultural diversity,
globalization, feminism, and changing gender norms on masculinities
• Masculinities under nationalism
• Case studies from specific regions illustrating shifts in masculinities
• Masculinities & the intersections of race, caste, class, religion, and other factors
• Implications of scattered masculinities for gender equality and social justice
• Inclusive and positive masculinities: role of education, media, and advocacy in reshaping masculinity norms
• Male violence or masculine violence
• Masculinities & Environment
• Female masculinity
• Future masculinities: evolving gender norms & diversity of identities
