Masculinity in Physical Activity and Health
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Sociology: Masculinity
The aim of this essay is to demonstrate how masculinity is a social construct, and to discuss the relationship between physical activity, exercise and health and masculinity. To gain a clear insight into masculinity, the essay will follow a systematic approach; firstly defining the relevant concepts surrounding masculinity, and then recognising some appropriate background information. The essay will then examine how masculinity has been constructed via society, and also state how it is manifested through and in physical activity, particularly in sport. Reference will next be made towards the implications masculinity and pro-feminism has for society, activity levels and ultimately the health of both men and women.
Before delving into the concept of masculinity, its construction, and its impact on physical activity exercise and health, it is important to clarify the appropriate definitions surrounding it:
Masculinity refers to the monopoly that men hold over society. It symbolises power (socially, economically and politically); authority and dominance over the opposite sex. The key element to masculinity is the ability to endure physical punishment both to give it and receive it. Cameron and Bernardes (1998) - define Hegemonic masculinity as:
"The ideological construction of masculinity serving the interests of men" (P: 687)
Pro-feminism is all about how men support the feminist views of women in order to establish equality in society. Feminism alone seeks to expose and change the gendered social relations of power in society, and ultimately equalise opportunities with men.
The term gender is a more modernised and widely used alternative to sex, as both terms have specific meanings...