Feeling Like a Man: A Critical Discursive Analysis of Contemporary Masculinity/Sexuality and Emotions

Abstract

Western masculinity appears to be polarised between two extremes - more traditional forms of masculinity, and emergent, liberal, oppositional masculinities that attempt to reshape what it means to be a man. Utilising Connell’s model of ‘hegemonic masculinity’, this thesis investigates how the tensions between these varying masculinities are negotiated and play out now in contemporary times for a sample of young, urban, highly educated men in Aotearoa/New Zealand. The investigation focuses in particular on men’s discourse about emotion and the ways in which affective discursive meaning making intersects with formulations of masculinity and sexuality. Emotion is a neglected topic in men’s studies, and yet one deeply bound up with cultural ideas about how men should be. The research reported in this thesis is qualitative, interview-based and intensive working with a small sample of 13 men seeking to understand their meaning making and identity practices in detail, attentive to complexity and contradictions. The analysis draws upon Potter and Wetherell’s term ‘interpretative repertoires’ to understand the ways in which emotions are constructed by participants. Sara Ahmed’s notion of ‘figures’ is then drawn upon to analyse particular cultural figures of masculinity, exploring also how the participants position themselves in relation to these. The findings suggest that whilst aspects of traditional masculinities are still highly relevant, a newer discursive identity I have called the ‘emotional man’ is redefining masculinity for young men. The influence of the ‘psy’ complex as described by Nikolas Rose and LGBTQ rights appear to be re-shaping young men’s conceptualisation of what masculinity entails, and I discuss the implications for Connell’s model of hegemonic masculinity. However, the accessibility of these new discursive masculine identities is argued to be limited. Overall, the findings provide insight into the changes occurring within modern masculinity for one demographic and facilitate critical dialogue concerning the future ramifications of such changes.