Representation of Positive Masculinity in Media
Location
FA-152
Start Date
1-5-2026 9:00 AM
Department
Sociology
Abstract
Analyzing how masculinity is represented in media is crucial in understanding how media supports or resists the patriarchy. This media analysis will focus on the power fictional characters have to influence young boys and men's behavior. Vinland Saga created by Makato Yukimura depicts healthy and unhealthy masculinity through characters such as Thor's and Thorfinn. The story follows Thorfinn who's toxic masculinity fueled by revenge directly supports the patriarchy within the context of the narrative. Later in the story it depicts how he resists the patriarchy through self reflection and growth. Just as Thorfinn rejects gender norms; many men in real life may see this and admire his behavior reject negative gender norms learned from media they grew up with. It is important to acknowledge that tv shows, video games, movies and anime continue to evolve so do representations of masculinity. Vinland Saga is but one of several examples of media in recent years that challenges the patriarchy. Social expectation's of what it means to be a real man are passed down from one generation to the next. Through this perspective one can not expect positive masculinity to become the norm overnight. It is a generational process of learned habits, beliefs and rituals that result in hegemonic masculinity. Media is one tool in a toolset to promote positive masculinity. To say that media is the only tool used to set societal expectations for men is to undermine the role that fathers, male sport coaches and male teachers play in shaping a boys image of a real man. Perhaps future research can survey fathers chosen fictional role model while they raise their boys. Analyzing what traits they admire from their chosen role model. To see how these idealized traits influences what traits are important for their boys to have. This may give a clearer picture of what long term affects fathers chosen role models have on guiding social expectations for their young boys.
Faculty Sponsor
Juan Martinez
Representation of Positive Masculinity in Media
FA-152
Analyzing how masculinity is represented in media is crucial in understanding how media supports or resists the patriarchy. This media analysis will focus on the power fictional characters have to influence young boys and men's behavior. Vinland Saga created by Makato Yukimura depicts healthy and unhealthy masculinity through characters such as Thor's and Thorfinn. The story follows Thorfinn who's toxic masculinity fueled by revenge directly supports the patriarchy within the context of the narrative. Later in the story it depicts how he resists the patriarchy through self reflection and growth. Just as Thorfinn rejects gender norms; many men in real life may see this and admire his behavior reject negative gender norms learned from media they grew up with. It is important to acknowledge that tv shows, video games, movies and anime continue to evolve so do representations of masculinity. Vinland Saga is but one of several examples of media in recent years that challenges the patriarchy. Social expectation's of what it means to be a real man are passed down from one generation to the next. Through this perspective one can not expect positive masculinity to become the norm overnight. It is a generational process of learned habits, beliefs and rituals that result in hegemonic masculinity. Media is one tool in a toolset to promote positive masculinity. To say that media is the only tool used to set societal expectations for men is to undermine the role that fathers, male sport coaches and male teachers play in shaping a boys image of a real man. Perhaps future research can survey fathers chosen fictional role model while they raise their boys. Analyzing what traits they admire from their chosen role model. To see how these idealized traits influences what traits are important for their boys to have. This may give a clearer picture of what long term affects fathers chosen role models have on guiding social expectations for their young boys.