masculine hegemony

Masculine hegemony refers to the dominant social framework where traditional male traits—such as strength, competitiveness, and authority—are valued as ideal, establishing a hierarchy that privileges men and masculine behaviors. This system influences cultural norms, institutions, and everyday interactions, often marginalizing or suppressing alternatives like femininity or expressing vulnerability. It shapes expectations about gender roles, contributing to unequal power dynamics, and can affect men and women differently, reinforcing societal inequalities based on gender.