Introduction: When Manhood Meets Modernity

In today’s rapidly transforming Indian society, the traditional notion of masculinity is under deep scrutiny. As gender roles blur, economic dynamics shift, and cultural narratives evolve, the “crisis of masculinity” has become a central theme in sociological debates. This crisis isn’t merely a psychological experience; it is a sociological phenomenon rooted in changing structures of patriarchy, urbanization, media influence, and gender justice movements.

Sociological Analysis on Understanding the Crisis of Masculinity

• R.W. Connell’s theory of “hegemonic masculinity” offers a powerful lens to understand this shift. Hegemonic masculinity refers to the culturally exalted form of masculinity that subordinates other masculinities and femininities. In India, this traditionally includes dominance, stoicism, economic provision, and control. But today, as women enter the workforce, queer identities gain visibility, and emotional openness becomes normalized, this hegemonic model is challenged — resulting in masculinity in crisis, particularly among young, urban, middle-class Indian men.

• Pierre Bourdieu’s concept of “habitus” and “cultural capital” helps us understand how boys and men internalize gendered expectations. From an early age, patriarchal values are ingrained, teaching men to value power, control, and emotional restraint. However, with changing cultural capital — where empathy, care work, and partnership are increasingly valued — traditional masculinity loses its dominance. This creates tension within the habitus, making many men feel dislocated and uncertain about their roles in relationships, workplaces, and families.

• In post-modern India, Anthony Giddens’ idea of the “reflexive self” becomes relevant. As individuals are constantly re-evaluating their identity based on new information and norms, masculinity too is being reconfigured. Today, Indian men may simultaneously consume Bollywood’s macho heroism, swipe through dating apps, share emotions on mental health forums, and identify as feminist allies. This plurality of masculinities — shaped by both local and global values — reflects a reflexive modernity where identity is no longer fixed.

• Erving Goffman argued that identity is a performance — we present ourselves based on audience, context, and social scripts. Masculinity, then, is not innate but performed based on expected roles. In Indian cities, one may perform a liberal, emotionally sensitive man in workplaces or social media, while still conforming to traditional gender roles at home. The dissonance between these roles creates psychological and social strain.

• Marshall McLuhan’s theory that “the medium is the message” highlights how media doesn’t just reflect society — it reshapes it. Indian media, from films to Instagram reels, creates competing narratives:

• The action-hero ideal (Pushpa, Kabir Singh)

• The progressive feminist ally

• The urban softboy

These mediated masculinities influence how men view themselves and others, creating both aspiration and confusion.

Structural and Cultural transformations

1. Unemployment and Masculine Identity: In traditional patriarchal setups, masculinity is tied to the role of provider. With youth unemployment and job insecurity on the rise, especially among the urban middle class, many men experience a loss of self-worth, triggering frustration, anxiety, and sometimes aggression.

2. Rising Divorce Rates and Fragile Masculinity: With increasing female education, financial independence, and legal awareness, women are more likely to exit unhappy or violent marriages. However, many men still operate under traditional marital scripts, expecting obedience and control, leading to emotional alienation and rising marital discord.

3. Digital Dating, Sexual Anxiety, and Masculine Performance: Platforms like Tinder, Bumble, and Instagram have transformed modern relationships. While some men adapt by showcasing emotional availability, others struggle with sexual competition, performance anxiety, and fear of rejection in highly visible online spaces.

4. Mental Health Crisis among Men: Social conditioning often discourages men from seeking help, crying, or expressing vulnerability. The result is unaddressed depression, anger issues, substance abuse, and even suicide — all symptoms of a deeper identity crisis.

5. Communal Violence and Hypermasculinity: Many communal and political movements use hypermasculine imagery — glorifying violence, aggression, and nationalism. In situations where men feel socially or economically emasculated, violent assertion of identity becomes a way to reclaim power.

Conclusion: Towards a New Masculinity

Masculinity in post-modern India is not disappearing — it is evolving. As men are called to be more emotionally expressive, more egalitarian, and less violent, new forms of masculinity are emerging that reject dominance in favor of collaboration, empathy, and shared vulnerability. Rather than mourning the end of the “traditional man,” Indian society now has an opportunity to reimagine manhood in a way that serves both men and women — with justice, dignity, and mutual respect.

PYQ

Paper I: Examine R.W. Connell’s concept of hegemonic masculinity and its relevance to understanding the crisis of masculinity in post-modern societies. (2020)

Paper II: Discuss the changing forms of masculinity in urban India in the context of globalization, media, and shifting gender roles. (2022)