Portrayals of Masculinity in “Guy Movies”

Abstract

Masculinity, an expression of sexual identity, is typically considered the enactment of male identity. The current analysis is a deductive summative content analysis of three popular "guy movies" using the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory (CMNI). Results indicated that Emotional Control, Risk-Taking, Violence, and Dominance were the most frequently represented CMNI factors. Winning, Self-Reliance, Playboy, Primacy of Work, Power Over Women, Disdain for Homosexuals, and Pursuit of Status were significantly less frequently displayed. Analysis of the four salient factors indicated that these qualities can be conceptualized as positive and prosocial masculine norms. This suggests that "guy movies" earn that title not because they display gratuitous and stereotypical masculinity but because they allow the viewer to identify with the positive qualities of his own masculinity. The concept of viewer-character dissonance is proposed as a possible explanation.

With great power comes great responsibility: A content analysis of masculinity themes in superhero movies.

“…In media targeting adults, male characters reflect societal expectations regarding masculinities and are more often portrayed as unemotional, violent, tough, dominant, and aggressive compared to women (Collins, 2011; Scharrer & Blackburn, 2018; Zeglin, 2016). Similarly, animated television (e.g., Keys, 2016; Leaper et al, 2002; Thompson & Zerbinos, 1995) and movies (e.g., England et al, 2011; León Gonzalez et al, 2020; Towbin et al, 2004) targeting children also promote gender-stereotyped messages regarding masculinities.…”

“…Indeed, increased media consumption is associated with strong gendered beliefs regarding personality, occupation, and status (Coyne et al, 2014). Male characters in the media typically reflect societal expectations regarding masculinity and are portrayed as more dominant, aggressive, violent, tough, and unemotional than female characters (Collins, 2011; Scharrer & Blackburn, 2018; Zeglin, 2016). These characteristics seem to be a combination of both traditional and toxic masculinity traits.…”

Negotiating Love and Gender Stereotypes among Youn People: Prevalence of “Amor Ludens” and Television Preferences Rooted in Hegemonic Masculinity

“…Similarly, several authors (Cohen, 2006;Hoffner & Buchanan, 2005;Ter Bogt, Engels, Bogers, & Kloosterman, 2010;Ward & Friedman, 2006) indicate that teenagers and young people indeed tend to seek out television series with young protagonists dealing with relationships as couples, and that they can serve as an educational resource to this audience. In particular, as for boys, as Zeglin (2016) points out, media content as fiction and characters portrayals can contribute to the social construction of male identity and masculinity.…”