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Masculinities, the Metrosexual, and Media Images: Across Dimensions of Age and Ethnicity

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Abstract

By inviting two generations of ethnically diverse men to define masculinity, this study makes visible ways men conform to, negotiate, and resist forces of hegemonic masculinity in the 21st century. Masculine gender role conflict theory provides underpinning for a textual analysis of empirical evidence gathered among U.S. young college men (N = 80) in focus groups and their fathers/uncles (N = 27) during interviews. Findings suggest that masculinities predominantly are defined in non-physical terms. Perspectives offered by African-American/Black, Asian, Caucasian/White, and Hispanic/Latino men offer nuanced cross-cultural constructions and meanings of masculinities and influences that shape their sense of self. Reported overall was anxiety, confusion, and frustration—especially with regard to the metrosexual and (in)ability to measure up to media-promoted male body images.

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  1. Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Donnalyn Pompper

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  1. Donnalyn Pompper
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Correspondence to Donnalyn Pompper.

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Dr. Donnalyn Pompper is an Associate Professor and teaches in the Department of Strategic Communication, School of Communications and Theater.

Appendix: Focus Group and Interview Topic Guide Questions

Appendix: Focus Group and Interview Topic Guide Questions

  1. 1.

    What does “masculinity” mean? If you were asked to define this word for a new dictionary, what would you write?

  2. 2.

    What specific characteristics do you consider to be masculine?

  3. 3.

    How important do you think it is to other men your age to be considered masculine?

  4. 4.

    What about men your (Dad’s/uncle’s) (son’s/nephew’s) age? How important is it to them to be considered masculine?

  5. 5.

    How important is it to you to be considered masculine?

  6. 6.

    Where do people’s perceptions of masculinity come from?

  7. 7.

    (If media are mentioned, follow up). How would you describe the relationship between the media and ways people think about masculinity?

  8. 8.

    What role does your ethnic background play in how you define masculinity?

  9. 9.

    If you moved to the U.S. at some point, what are the differences between ways masculinity is considered there as compared to here?

  10. 10.

    What else would you like to tell me about how you or others think about masculinity?

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Pompper, D. Masculinities, the Metrosexual, and Media Images: Across Dimensions of Age and Ethnicity. Sex Roles 63, 682–696 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-010-9870-7

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