Hegemonic masculinity: combining theory and practice in gender interventions.

Area of Science:

• Gender Studies
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• Hegemonic masculinity, a concept from gender studies since the 1980s, explains men's dominance and influences health behaviors and violence.
• The concept's application in gender activism and interventions, particularly translating theory into practice, remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the translation of hegemonic masculinity theory into practical gender interventions.
• To explore how this concept informs efforts to promote gender equity among men in South Africa and Sweden.

Main Methods:

• Case study analysis of gender interventions in South Africa and Sweden.
• Examination of the 'Machofabriken' (The Macho Factory) intervention in Sweden to illustrate theoretical application.

Main Results:

• Hegemonic masculinity has practical applications in developing theoretically grounded gender interventions for men.
• The concept facilitates engaging men in broader social efforts towards gender equity.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights the practical utility of hegemonic masculinity in creating sustainable, theoretically informed interventions.
• Evaluating widespread societal change in hegemonic masculinity presents an ongoing challenge.