The Motivation Behind This Research

In my latest work, Intersectional Analysis on Masculinities within Geographical Discourse, I aimed to critically engage with the complexities of masculinity within the spatial and epistemological dimensions of geography.

For decades, geographical scholarship has incorporated feminist and gender studies to examine spatial power dynamics. However, masculinity, especially through an intersectional lens, has not received equal scholarly attention. The dominant concepts of “hegemonic” and “toxic” masculinity, while widely recognized, are often treated as static or monolithic. My research challenges these fixed interpretations and argues for a more fluid, multi-layered understanding of masculinities, considering intersections of race, religion, age, and transgender experiences.

This study was born out of a desire to bridge this gap in geographical discourse, adding to the growing scholarship that recognizes how masculinity is constructed, negotiated, and reshaped in different spaces and socio-cultural contexts.

Key Questions That Shaped This Work

Throughout the research process, I asked fundamental questions that guided my analysis:

• How does masculinity operate within geographical discourse?
• In what ways do spatial contexts influence diverse expressions of masculinity?
• Can we move beyond the often rigid categories of “hegemonic” and “toxic” masculinity to develop a more nuanced and intersectional approach?
• How do race, religion, age, and transgender identities intersect with masculinity within different geographical frameworks?

By addressing these questions, this study contributes to expanding geographical scholarship beyond traditional gender binaries, urging scholars to think critically about masculinity as a dynamic and intersectional construct.

Theoretical Foundations and Methodological Approach

My approach is rooted in intersectionality, a term coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw to describe how overlapping systems of oppression shape individual experiences. While intersectionality is commonly applied to feminist and critical race studies, its application to masculinities within geography remains relatively new. My work draws from intersectional feminist geography, queer geography, and critical masculinity studies to argue that masculinity cannot be studied in isolation from other identity markers and socio-spatial structures.

In engaging with the geographical aspects of masculinity, I analyzed:

1. Spatial Constructs of Masculinity – How different spaces (urban, rural, transnational) shape gender expressions and reinforce or challenge dominant masculinities.
2. Masculinity and Power Structures – How masculine identities intersect with colonial histories, capitalism, and geopolitical structures.
3. Trans Masculinities in Space – A focus on how transgender men navigate public and private spaces, facing unique spatial constraints and freedoms.
4. Religious and Racialized Masculinities – How religious norms and racialized identities shape masculine performances across different geographies.

This intersectional lens allows for a deeper understanding of how masculinity is not merely a fixed identity but a socially and spatially constructed performance that evolves within specific contexts.

Challenging Hegemonic and Toxic Masculinity

The concepts of hegemonic masculinity (Connell, 1995) and toxic masculinity have been central to masculinity studies. While these frameworks are useful in understanding dominant gender norms, they risk oversimplifying the fluidity and multiplicity of masculinities.

Hegemonic masculinity often refers to the socially dominant form of masculinity that maintains male privilege. However, in different geographical and cultural settings, what is considered “hegemonic” varies significantly. My research critiques the assumption that hegemonic masculinity operates in the same way across all spaces. For example:

• In postcolonial contexts, masculinity is often tied to national identity and resistance against colonial narratives.
• In urban centers, masculinity can be defined through economic success and professional achievements, while in rural areas, it might be linked to physical labor and land ownership.

Similarly, the concept of toxic masculinity, while valuable in highlighting harmful gender norms, is often used in a way that generalizes male behavior rather than examining the structural factors that sustain such norms. My research argues for a shift towards transformative masculinities, which recognize that masculinity is constantly evolving and can be redefined in more inclusive and equitable ways.

Key Findings and Contributions

1. Masculinity is spatially and culturally contingent – Masculinities manifest differently in various geographical and socio-political contexts. There is no universal form of masculinity; rather, it is shaped by local histories, economies, and social relations.
2. Intersectionality is crucial in masculinity studies – Masculinity cannot be studied in isolation from race, class, religion, and other identity markers. The experiences of Black, Muslim, or transgender men, for example, reveal the necessity of an intersectional approach.
3. Space plays a crucial role in constructing gender identities – Public and private spaces influence how masculinity is performed and perceived. For instance, the workplace, religious institutions, and digital spaces all serve as sites where masculinities are produced and negotiated.
4. Challenging traditional masculinity narratives – Moving beyond “hegemonic” and “toxic” masculinity allows for more diverse and transformative understandings of masculinity that consider vulnerability, care, and alternative masculinities.

Implications for Future Research

This study opens new avenues for geographical and gender studies by advocating for a more inclusive and fluid framework for analyzing masculinities. Some key directions for future research include:

• Expanding research on trans masculinities and spatial navigation, particularly in urban and rural settings.
• Examining masculinity within digital geographies, where social media and online platforms play a crucial role in shaping gender identities.
• Investigating indigenous and non-Western masculinities, which challenge dominant Western-centric narratives.
• Exploring the intersection of masculinity and climate change, particularly in how environmental crises affect male-dominated industries and gender roles.

By integrating masculinity studies more fully into geography, we can deepen our understanding of how gender, space, and power intersect in shaping human experiences.

Final Reflections

Writing this chapter has been an intellectually enriching journey, pushing me to think critically about how masculinity is often taken for granted in geographical discourse. By advocating for an intersectional, multi-dimensional approach, I hope this work contributes to a broader shift in how we analyze gendered power relations in space.

I invite scholars, students, and practitioners in geography and gender studies to engage with these ideas and contribute to the growing discourse on masculinities. Your thoughts and insights are invaluable as we continue exploring the complex intersections of gender and space.

📖 Read the full paper here: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-25900-5_221-1