Positioned by “Hegemonic” Masculinities: A Study of London Boys' Narratives of Identity

This paper takes up the idea of “hegemonic” masculinity and explores its relevance to a group of 11-to 14-year-old boys in London schools. Although there is considerable debate in the literature over the existence and significance of an organising mode of “dominant” or hegemonic masculinity, it is apparent from the interview material provided by these boys that attributes such as “hardness”, antagonism to school-based learning, sporting prowess, and fashionable looks remain very influential in determining boys' popularity and also their views of themselves and others as properly “masculine”. In this paper, we use this material further to illustrate ways in which social class and “race” impact on constructions of, and are drawn on in constructing, modes of hegemonic masculinity. The function of hegemonic masculinity as a method of social regulation amongst young men is also discussed.