Hegemonic Masculinity, Globalization and Neoliberalism

For this debriefing, I will address the global domain and how it is visible among men and the relationship it has with globalization. The process of globalization can be influenced by the structure of gender, specifically the globalized masculinity. At the collective level, masculinities are reconstructed by the remodeling of gender meanings and the remaking of institutional practices. The mass media is a prime example of the globalization of gender. Popular media outlets perpetuate stereotyped gender images; more harshly for women.

The media shows the same body types over and over again because those are the bodies that generate the commodification of beauty. Not only that, but the media can then reinforce men’s perception of women and as a result then judge “real women” much more harshly. Gendered institutions are not only seen in the process of masculinity and femininity but the working of gendered institutions, which are producing specific social practices that eventually become patterns of practices. We see these practices in the patterns of behavior. Patterns of conversation to the unequal distribution of power— this makes up the reality of male privilege and the oppression of women. Particular institutions become dominate in society, the patterns of masculinity rooted in them may be the global principle.

For example, in the United States, men in politics are put at the forefront, therefore the idea of women in leadership become the target of mistreatment. The gender regime of global standards within institutions is prominent in the effect it has on women’s ability to participate in the political process. Ironically, the more power women have, the greater the criticism against them. This phenomenon is most visible in the way the media and some men disrespect our female leaders. We saw this backlash against the former first lady, Michelle Obama, and when Hillary Clinton ran for president. Therefore, patriarchy expressed with masculine authority in the state which has undermined the equal opportunity for women.

However, globalizing masculinity can be seen in some major forms. Especially, the link between hegemonic masculinity and neoliberalism practices. Neoliberalism involves a view of the world that moderates the social region and promotes the individual that consist of an ideal world where one has the ability to pursue their self-interests with less political involvement. Hegemonic masculinity can then be associated with those who control the dominant institutions: those who participate in the global market and political executives. As a result, very much like gender institutions, neoliberalism is burden by a series of bureaucratic restraints that generally weakens the position of women, while simultaneously the increase of unregulated power of transnational corporations, which places power in the hands of a specific group of men. Here we can highlight masculinity and the monopoly of power by the social control of policies and women.