About the Project
A wide body of evidence has firmly placed men’s health on the public and academic agenda. Much of this work shows the damaging effects that notions of ‘traditional’, ‘toxic’ or ‘hyper’ masculinity can have on men’s health-related behaviours. However, at the same time as this dataset grew, a robust and multifaceted critique of theoretical models of masculinity developed (Donaldson, 1993; Hearn, 1996, 2004; Matthews, 2015; Messerschmidt, 2012; Peterson, 2003). What, then, do these theoretical discussions mean for the veracity of findings that draw on problematic conceptualisations of men and stories about them?
This project will explore one key dimension of this issue by focusing on how, and in what ways, reflexivity might account for the health-related thoughts, feelings and actions of men. In particular, it will draw on Matthews’ work on health (2015) and pastiche identity (2014, 2016, 2018) to test the hypothesis that men who can reflexively (re)consider narratives about gender will engage in more health-related behaviours than those who do not.
In considering this proposition it is expected that this project will: 1) shed light on the specifics of men’s health-related practices that have to date remained under explored; and 2) help weave a theoretically nuanced account of reflexivity into previous theorisations of men and narratives about masculinity.
While the practical details of this project will be confirmed after a systematic literature review has been conducted, it is expected that the research will produce a validated survey and conduct in-depth interviews with men about their health-related behaviours. As such, candidates with experiences and/or demonstrable skills in such research methods will be well suited to succeed in the role. Furthermore, knowledge of social science and/or critical health studies is desired but not essential.
For more information about post-graduate study at NTU including training, support, CPD and fees please visit the doctorial schools webpage. For specific information about the research project please contact the director of studies Dr. Christopher R. Matthews.
Entry Qualifications
To be eligible to apply, you must hold (or be expect to obtain by 1st October 2018) a strong 2.1 honours degree or a Masters degree (or equivalent as verified by UK Naric and the NTU International development Office) in social science, sociology, sport and exercise science, anthropology, research methods, cultural studies, social policy and/or related fields.
References
Donaldson, M. (1993). What is hegemonic masculinity? Theory & Society, 22(5), 643–657.
Hearn, J. (1996). ‘Is masculinity dead?’ A critical account of the concept of masculinity/masculinities.
In M. Mac an Ghaill (Ed.), Understanding masculinities: Social relations and cultural
arenas (pp. 202–217). Milton Keynes: Open University Press.
Hearn, J. (2004). From hegemonic masculinity to the hegemony of men. Feminist Theory, 5(1),
49–72.
Matthews, C. R. (2014). Biology ideology and pastiche hegemony. Men and Masculinities, 17(2),
99–119.
Matthews, C.R. (2015) The appropriation of hegemonic masculinity within selected research on men’s health. NORMA, 11:1, 3-18.
Matthews, C.R. (2016) Exploring the pastiche hegemony of men. Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Communications, 2: 16022. ISSN 2055-1045
Matthews, C.R., 2018. Pastiche. In: Wiley Blackwell encyclopaedia of sociology. (2nd ed.) Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.
Messerschmidt, J. W. (2012). Engendering gendered knowledge assessing the academic appropriation of hegemonic masculinity. Men and Masculinities, 15(1), 56–76.
Peterson, A. (2003). Research on men and masculinities: Some implications of recent theory for
future work. Men and Masculinities, 6(1), 54–69.