In Search of the New Man

Masculinity in the new men's magazines

Authors

• Ann-Charlotte Palmgren

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37447/bk.130562

Keywords:

masculinity, roles, media, gender

Abstract

My aim in this article is to explore today's male roles and ideals by analysing the new men's magazines. I have primarily focussed on two magazines. I have also chosen to interview men in order to gain an understanding of how they perceive the masculine ideals prevalent in today's society as well as what they think of the new magazines. Does the everyday ideal correspond to that presented in the magazines? As my article deals with men's magazines, I find it relevant to explain concepts such as masculinity, gender systems and constructed gender. I agree with the theory that gender is socially constructed, primarily on the basis of the nature of my research problem: I suspect that these men's magazines are attempting to convey a way in which a man can achieve masculinity through the acquisition of certain attributes.