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. 19 (3), pp. 289-310.
AuthorsLomas, T., Cartwright, Tina, Edginton, Trudi and Ridge, Damien
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.

JournalMen and Masculinities
Journal citation19 (3), pp. 289-310
ISSN1552-6828
1097-184X
Year2015
PublisherSAGE Publications
Accepted author manuscript
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Anyone
Web address (URL)http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1097184X15578531
Publication dates
Print23 Mar 2015
Publication process dates
Deposited11 May 2015
Accepted23 Mar 2015
Copyright information© SAGE 2015.
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