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Investigating Hegemonic Masculinity: Portrayals of Masculinity in Men’s Lifestyle Magazines

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Abstract

A content analysis of eight different men’s lifestyle magazines sold in Canada between November 2004 and August 2006 was conducted to explore how masculinities are currently being portrayed in regards to the body, aesthetics and grooming, and fashion. Findings suggest that different men’s magazines represent different forms of masculinity but elements of hegemonic masculinity (culturally normative ideals of masculinity within a structure of social relations where some men are subordinated) are woven throughout. Although the marketed look varies by the magazine, these magazines not only convey the message that appearance can be manipulated—but it should also be enhanced, and that men should engage in bodywork in order to attain the lifestyle they desire.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sociology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada

    Rosemary Ricciardelli

  2. Faculty of Criminology, Justice and Social Policy, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2000 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, ON, L1H7K4, Canada

    Kimberley A. Clow

  3. Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada

    Philip White

Authors
  1. Rosemary Ricciardelli
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  2. Kimberley A. Clow
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  3. Philip White
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Correspondence to Rosemary Ricciardelli.

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Ricciardelli, R., Clow, K.A. & White, P. Investigating Hegemonic Masculinity: Portrayals of Masculinity in Men’s Lifestyle Magazines. Sex Roles 63, 64–78 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-010-9764-8

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