The research investigated how men perceive constructions of masculinity in the talk
of male rape. Research on gender relations and masculinities is a growing area of
interest. The topic of male rape however, remains underrepresented within this. Male
rape draws on discourses of gender, trauma, sex, sexuality and violence. It further
offers a controversial topic that participants could engage in to further make sense of
the multitude of masculine identities that exist, and how these directly influence
responses to gendered phenomena. It is therefore likely to elicit significant
constructions of masculinities and hence was used as a vehicle to further add insight
into the constructed nature of masculinities. This was achieved through the use of a
group of thirteen men who were divided into three focus groups. Each focus group
made use of a vignette and a semi-structured interview schedule. Through this
method the masculine identities that arose in their talk on male rape were examined.
Data were analysed using thematic content analysis in which a social constructionist
perspective was applied. It was found that participants strongly adhered to a
hegemonic masculine point of reference in discussions. The patriarchal nature of this
masculine identity that is subordinating of both women and other masculine identities
was consistently used in discussions, thus representing the relatively stable influence
of hegemony in gendered relations. Subordinated masculinities emerged more subtly,
illustrating a growing acceptance of multiple forms of masculine identities. The
results were understood as largely representative of broader society that still elevates
the constructed standards of hegemony in conceptualising masculinities. This study
thus sheds light on the social constructionist nature evident in society that continually
influences the connotations attached to gendered identities within it. The significance
in considering the masculine influences in responding to male rape lies in the
multiplicity of factors that each involves as these collectively shape society's
continued gendered understanding in shaping reality. A topic such as male rape, that
directly threatens constructed notions of masculinities, thus allows for a new
understanding to emerge in its consideration of the masculine identities that arise in
responding to this traumatic experience.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:wits/oai:wiredspace.wits.ac.za:10539/8154 |
| Date | 28 May 2010 |
| Creators | Field, Shelley Anne |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | application/pdf, application/pdf |
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