The Problem of Masculinity
摘要
In this chapter, I explore the limitations of changing and reconstructing masculinities in response to many of the problems associated with men and manhood outlined in Chap. 1 . I critically appraise the concept of ‘toxic masculinity’ as a particular type of masculinity (or a collection of particular characteristics and behaviours) that encourages homophobia, misogyny, domination of women and sexual violence. Because proponents of this term emphasise that it is only a particular form of masculinity that is problematical and that there are many diverse expressions of masculinity that are healthy for men, they advocate masculinities that are respectful and positive. In this chapter, I explore these alternatives, including healthy, caring and ecological masculinities. Drawing upon critiques made by various scholars over the last few decades, I argue that alternative masculinities essentialise masculinity as part of men’s bodies, reinscribe the gender binary which valorises masculinity above femininity and distract attention away from systemic and structural dimensions of gender privilege. I then argue that to move beyond the gender binary, we need to consider strategies of change for men that do not rely upon frameworks of masculinity.