Unit I

Introduction to Critical Masculinities: Hegemonic Masculinity and Power Dynamics; Feminist Perspectives on Masculinities

Unit II

Representations of Masculinity in Media and Culture: Media representations of masculinity; Gender stereotypes in advertising and popular culture; Alternative representations and counter-narratives.

Unit III

Masculinities and Violence: Toxic Masculinity and Its Consequences; Intersections of masculinity with violence against women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized groups; Masculinities and Health

Unit IV

Transformative Masculinities and Allyship: Models of transformative and inclusive masculinities; Allyship and solidarity in the pursuit of gender equality; Strategies for Change

Prerequisite: NA

Summary: This course offers a comprehensive exploration of critical perspectives on masculinities and their implications for achieving gender equality policies. Through interdisciplinary approaches drawing from sociology, psychology, cultural studies, and feminist theory, students will examine the social construction of masculinity, its intersections with race, class, sexuality, and other dimensions of identity, and its impact on individual lives, government policies, and societal structures. Emphasis will be placed on the Indian context and critically evaluating traditional notions of masculinity, understanding power dynamics in gender relations, and developing strategies for promoting gender justice and equality.

Course Objectives:

1. Analyze the social construction of masculinity and its historical and cultural variations.
2. Critically assess the intersections of masculinity with race, class, sexuality, and other social categories.
3. Examine the role of masculinities in perpetuating gender inequalities and oppressive systems.
4. Explore feminist theories and methodologies for studying masculinities and gender relations.
5. Evaluate representations of masculinity in media, literature, and popular culture.
6. Understand the impacts of toxic masculinity on individuals and communities.
7. Investigate the potential for transformative masculinities and alternative models of gender identity.
8. Develop strategies in policy and intervention for promoting gender equality and challenging patriarchal structures.

Course Outcomes:

• CO1: Students can define the various forms of masculinity and how this impacts social life
• CO2: Students grasp the historical and cultural perspectives of gender norms
• CO3: Identify intersections of masculinity with race, class, and sexuality and links with violence
• CO4: Become familiar with strategies to engage men & boys to promote gender equality
• CO5: Understand how critical masculinities can play a supportive role in gender policies

Skills:

• Reading philosophical and sociological texts
• Self-reflection

-Program outcome PO – Course Outcomes CO Mapping

Program Specific Outcomes PSO – Course Objectives – Mapping

Evaluation Pattern:

*CA – Can be Quizzes, Assignment, Projects, and Reports, and Seminar

• Banerjee, S. (2005). Make me a man!: Masculinity, Hinduism, and Nationalism in India. Albany; State University of New York Press.
• Basu, J., Samanta, M., Basu, S., & Bhattacharya, M. (2018). Gender and Mental Health: Masculinity, Femininity, Modernity and Daily Hassles as Predictors of Subjective Well-Being. In G. Misra (Ed.),
• Psychosocial Interventions for Health and Well-Being (pp. 313–333). New Delhi; Springer India.
  https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-3782-2
• Coley, C., Gressel, C.M., Bhavani, R.R. (2021). Transforming MENtalities: Gender equality and masculinities in India. UNESCO New Delhi. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000377859.locale=en
• Connell, R. W. (2005). Masculinities (2nd ed.). Los Angeles; University of California Press.
• Gottzén, L., Mellström, U., & Shefer, T. (Eds.). (2019). Routledge international handbook of masculinity studies. Routledge.
• Kimmel, M., Hearn, J., & Connel, R. W. (Eds.). (2005). Handbook of Studies on Men and Masculinities. London; Sage Publications, Inc.
• Lang, J., Greig, A., & Connell, R. (2008). The Role of Men and Boys in Achieving Gender Equality. In Women 2000 and Beyond. United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women, DESA.
• Osella, C., & Osella, F. (2006). Men and Masculinities in South India. London; Anthem Press.
• Sudkämper, A. (2019). Men’s Support for Gender Equality. University of Exeter.