Masculinity is a set of characteristics, based on the standards set by the society,
that defines a ‘man.’ This set of characteristics leads to what one may call
gender roles. To understand masculinity, it is necessary to know the differences
between ‘gender’ and ‘sex.’ Sex is generally used to differentiate biology, whereas gender
is a more sociological discourse. Gender is something that is socially constructed to
differentiate the behavior of men from that of women, described as ‘masculine’ and
‘feminine’ respectively. Sociological discourse might have exaggerated the biological
differences between the two sexes. Patriarchy, one of the powerful institutions in the
society, defines gender roles, in which women are seen as subordinate to men.
This paper looks at the process of how masculinity is constructed. Is it a linear
construction? Can it reach a static position? If it can, what contributes to the construction?
If it is a process, what are the various spaces that construct the gender role (specifically
here masculinity)? This being the central problem in this study, the paper seeks to find
answers to the above questions by exploring the process of social construction of masculinity
to see if it is static or not. Then, it analyzes the term ‘ideology’ in order to see how it
defines culture. The difference between high and low art is then discussed. The paper
then engages with the definition of ‘hero’ and ‘superhero’ and the differences and
similarities between the two. Thus, by exploring these various aspects, the paper aims at
answering the problem it raises. The main reason for this area of focus is to understand
the external influences society has in deciding gender roles.
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