Using hegemonic masculinity to explain gay male attraction to muscular and athletic men

Nicholas Lanzieri, Tom Hildebrandt

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This article reviews relevant research on male homosexual attraction. Utilizing masculinity as its theoretical frame, the authors use childhood experiences with both fathers and peers, the gay community's inculcation of heteronormative ideologies, and the gay media's adherence to masculine prototypes, to provide causal explanations for the appeal of muscular, lean, and athletic physiques. While the authors acknowledge that not all individuals within the gay community look toward muscularity and athleticism as the primary components of attractiveness, it nonetheless remains important to examine the theoretical perspectives that may explain the appeal of this specific aesthetic.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)275-293
Number of pages19
JournalJournal of Homosexuality
Volume58
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2011

Keywords

  • Attractiveness
  • Body image
  • Gay community
  • Hegemonic masculinity
  • Homosexuals

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gender Studies
  • Social Psychology
  • Education
  • General Psychology

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