Final answer:
The student's question delves into hegemonic masculinity, which is the pressure on males to conform to certain norms, defining them as strong and independent while suppressing vulnerability. Various studies have shown that the concept of masculinity is complex, culturally specific, and evolves over time. It is influenced by historical, societal, and familial factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question centers around the concept of hegemonic masculinity which explores the societal pressures on males to conform to certain norms and behaviors that define 'masculinity'. Studies, such as those conducted by Emma Renold and Daniel Jordan Smith, delve into the construct of masculinity in different cultures and contexts. For example, Smith's work in Igbo communities illustrates that gender, specifically masculinity, is an ongoing task requiring men to continuously prove themselves throughout their lives, particularly in terms of economic success and romantic relationships.
Research into masculinity further reveals that throughout history, definitions and expectations of masculinity have evolved. The 19th-century focus on paternal duty shifted towards a more complex interplay between masculinity, femininity, and societal power dynamics in the 20th century. The influence of female school teachers, the disappearance of traditionally 'male' spaces, and other cultural changes, such as the rise of the so-called 'cult of masculinity', highlighted the changing nature of masculine identity.
Important work by sociologists like Barry Hewlett on the Aka communities and research by Gabriela Spector-Mersel suggests that masculinity is multi-faceted and that some societies value nurturing, caregiving roles among men, challenging the notion that men are naturally inept caregivers. It stands in contrast to the often rigid and toughness-based gender roles assigned in Western contexts, as noted by researchers like Michael Kimmel and evidenced in practical examples such as the division of household chores, and the gender socialization of children.