New Ways of Being a Man: "Positive" Hegemonic Masculinity in Meditation-based Communities of Practice
Article
Lomas, T., Cartwright, Tina, Edginton, Trudi and Ridge, Damien 2015. New Ways of Being a Man: "Positive" Hegemonic Masculinity in Meditation-based Communities of Practice. Men and Masculinities.
Authors | Lomas, T., Cartwright, Tina, Edginton, Trudi and Ridge, Damien |
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Abstract | Connell’s concept of hegemonic masculinity is often reduced to a singular construct, consisting of “toxic” traits viewed as detrimental to well-being. However, the concept allows for variation in hegemony, including the possibility of forms more conducive to well-being. Through in-depth interviews with thirty male meditators in the United Kingdom, we explored the social dimensions of meditation practice to examine its potential implications for well-being. Most participants became involved with “communities of practice” centered on meditation that promoted new local hegemonies, and these included ideals experienced as conducive to well-being, like abstinence. However, social processes associated with hegemony, like hierarchy and marginalization, were not overturned. Moreover, participants faced challenges enacting new practices in relation to the broader system of hegemonic masculinity—outside these communities—reporting censure. Our findings are cautionary for professionals seeking to encourage well-being behaviors: that is, there is potential for adaptation in men, yet complex social processes influence this change. |
Journal | Men and Masculinities |
ISSN | 1552-6828 |
1097-184X | |
Year | 2015 |
Publisher | SAGE |
Accepted author manuscript | License CC BY |
Web address (URL) | http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1097184X15578531 |
Publication dates | |
23 Mar 2015 | |
Publication process dates | |
Deposited | 11 May 2015 |
Accepted | 23 Mar 2015 |
Copyright information | © SAGE 2015. |
Page range | In Press |
https://repository.uel.ac.uk/item/856x2
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