Abstract
US interpretations of masculinity are in a state of flux as Western culture moves away from masculine hegemony (or, at least, restructures it). Arguments have been made that young males in the US are confused as to what it means to be a man, with support coming in the observation of lower testosterone levels, a doubling of male anorexia since 1980, and higher suicide rates among young males. We attempt to investigate the generality of changing masculinity norms through interpretations of male portrayals in advertisements in China and India. Given China's long tradition of different masculinities (wen and wu), we do not expect that the diverse portrayals of masculinity in China will result in serious physical or psychological harm occurring among young Chinese men. Changing portrayals of males in India are also occurring, but it is less clear what will result there.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Masculinity and Femininity |
Subtitle of host publication | Stereotypes/Myths, Psychology and Role of Culture |
Publisher | Nova Science Publishers, Inc. |
Pages | 71-93 |
Number of pages | 23 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781624171857 |
State | Published - Jan 2013 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Social Sciences