Lecture

Masculinity and Technology in American Cinema

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In course

HUM-233: Film history and theory

CINEMA JAPONAIS, IMAGINAIRES DU DESASTRE : Ce cours vise à proposer une histoire du cinéma au prisme du cinéma japonais, et de différentes approches critiques et théoriques en lien avec la production de représentations du désastre. ...

Description

This lecture explores the representation of gender in American cinema, focusing on the evolution of masculinity and technology from 1968 to 2014. It delves into the portrayal of dominant male characters, the gendered analysis of film excerpts, and the construction of gender identity in movies. The course covers iconic films such as 'The Deer Hunter', 'Rambo', 'The Matrix', 'Gladiator', 'Skyfall', and 'Minority Report'. Students will analyze the societal implications of these representations and engage in collaborative interpretations. The evaluation includes two tests assessing theoretical understanding, gender analysis skills, and critical thinking. Recommended readings provide further insights into masculinity studies and gender theories.

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Related concepts (16)

Gender studies

Gender studies is an interdisciplinary academic field devoted to analysing gender identity and gendered representation. Gender studies originated in the field of women's studies, concerning women, feminism, gender, and politics. The field now overlaps with queer studies and men's studies. Its rise to prominence, especially in Western universities after 1990, coincided with the rise of deconstruction.

Gender

Gender includes the social, psychological, cultural and behavioral aspects of being a man, woman, or other gender identity. Depending on the context, this may include sex-based social structures (i.e. gender roles) and gender expression. Most cultures use a gender binary, in which gender is divided into two categories, and people are considered part of one or the other (boys/men and girls/women); those who are outside these groups may fall under the umbrella term non-binary.

Masculinity

Masculinity (also called manhood or manliness) is a set of attributes, behaviors, and roles associated with men and boys. Masculinity can be theoretically understood as socially constructed, and there is also evidence that some behaviors considered masculine are influenced by both cultural factors and biological factors. To what extent masculinity is biologically or socially influenced is subject to debate. It is distinct from the definition of the biological male sex, as anyone can exhibit masculine traits.

Hegemonic masculinity

In gender studies, hegemonic masculinity is part of R. W. Connell's gender order theory, which recognizes multiple masculinities that vary across time, society, culture, and the individual. Hegemonic masculinity is defined as a practice that legitimizes men's dominant position in society and justifies the subordination of the common male population and women, and other marginalized ways of being a man. Conceptually, hegemonic masculinity proposes to explain how and why men maintain dominant social roles over women, and other gender identities, which are perceived as "feminine" in a given society.

Toxic masculinity

The concept of toxic masculinity is used in media discussions to refer to those aspects of hegemonic masculinity that are socially destructive, such as misogyny, bullying and violent domination. These traits are considered "toxic" due in part to their promotion of violence, including sexual assault and domestic violence. Socialization of boys also normalizes violence. Self-reliance and emotional repression are correlated with increased psychological problems in men such as depression, increased stress, and substance use disorders.

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