LFU:online

• Understanding the developments of different concepts of masculinity
• Critical reflection of popular ideas of toxic masculinity in distinction to social science findings of masculinity research
• Ability to transfer between scientific concepts and social, media and discursive phenomena

In this seminar we will create a good, basic understanding of different ideas on the construction of masculinity and on relational concepts of different masculinities. Then we examine the status quo of research on "toxic masculinity" and turn to relations of masculinity and different social phenomena, e.g. masculinity and consumption, masculinity and sustainability, masculinity and violence. After these analyses, we turn to alternative, progressive, i.e. non-hegemonic forms of masculinities and ask how they counteract the toxic effects of hegemonic masculinity.

The seminar is thematically and methodologically co-designed by the students and focuses on the connection of research/analytical and theorizing work. Students acquire general knowledge through reading and discussions after which they apply their knowledge to specific questions, which are processed in a creative project work, or a scientific essay.

creative project work or essay

Connell, Raewyn; Messerschmidt, Jame0073 (2005): Hegemonic Masculinity - Rethinking the concept.

Harrington, Carol (2021): What is "toxic masculinity" and why does it matter?

Férnandez-Álvarez, Oscar (2014): Non-hegemonic masculinities against gender violence.

As most literature will be in english, appropriate language skills will be necessary.

For more information please contact gender-studies@uibk.ac.at (Maria Furtner).