R. W. Connell Define Hegemonic Masculinity

Hegemonic masculinity describes the idea of the typical masculine man. In this definition, it defines men as the powerful dominant ones, and women as the subordinate. This idea can be seen is R.W. Connell’s text “The Social Organization of Masculinity”. “The concept of “hegemony”, deriving from Antonio Gramsci’s analysis of class relations, refers to the cultural dynamic by which a group claims and sustains a leading position in social life” (Connell 77). In order to be able to define the typical hegemonic man, it is important to be able to define masculinity. Connell points out there there is no one single definition, but when thinking about masculinity some words often come to mind. Some of these words include strong, brave, aggressive, and powerful. When the word masculine is used, it is also often assumed that one is talking about a heterosexual man. What is it about hegemonic men that attract so many women? Is it society pushing them, physical appearance, or maybe just personal preference. “There are social and historical explanations for why we do what we do, feel what we feel, and have the attractions we do”
According to this “nice guy phenomenon”, women should want to date this type of guy (McDaniel). The opposite to this nice guy, is the not so nice jerk. When asked to describe this type of guy, words that came up were mysterious, daring, arrogant, and dangerous (McDaniel). This idea is described by the following 34-year-old woman. “Until a woman is mature enough, really knows her- self and is ready for a solid relationship, I believe she will gravitate towards the ‘bad boys.’ Those relationships don’t last, which deep down inside is fine with her because she doesn’t really want it to. How- ever, when she grows up (as I have now) she changes her definition of what’s interesting and attractive— the stability and predictability of a nice guy become magnetic (McDaniel