Final answer:
Option (C), Hegemonic masculinity is the idealized form of masculinity prevalent in a particular culture, often upheld by cultural norms and reinforced by societal institutions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hegemonic masculinity refers to an idealized form of masculinity that is upheld and propagated by a particular culture or society. This concept is contextual and varies between cultures, but it often suggests that to be a 'real man,' one must adhere to culturally specific standards that are associated with masculinity.
The challenges of enacting masculinity have been examined in various cross-cultural studies, demonstrating that ideals of masculinity are not only ascribed at birth but also something that individuals work towards throughout their lives. For example, Daniel Jordan Smith's work in Igbo communities of southeast Nigeria highlights how the pursuit of masculine identity is an ongoing project, often associated with economic success and romantic relationships in adulthood.
In historical contexts, such as twentieth-century America, masculinity has been shaped by figures and pursuits that embody toughness and martial prowess, like prizefighters and military men. Additionally, bodybuilding became an emblem of masculinity, signifying a form of heteronormativity that emerged in opposition to homosexuality. Furthermore, ethical norms have traditionally been criticized by feminists for equating masculinity with the standard for the ideal person, revealing an imbued bias in conventional morality.
Research indicates that masculinity is relational, always formed in opposition to femininity even in the absence of women. Such constructions of masculinity can be seen in various cultural contexts, including Muslim communities, where prescribed roles for men and women are both idealized and enacted in everyday life. The government, peers, and larger society often reinforce these gender roles, showing that hegemonic masculinity is not the only form of masculinity but rather the idealized, dominant version within a given culture, supported by the socio-cultural structures in place.