Masculinity in Cross-Gender Friendships: Dynamics, Privilege, and Intimacies


Jiangyuan Lin, University of Toronto

This paper delves into the intricate dynamics of masculinity within heterosexual cross-gender friendships among middle-class Chinese international students in Canada. Employing hegemonic masculinity as a theoretical lens, the study explores how masculinity is articulated and how it shapes the contours of cross-gender interactions, using an ethnographic approach over a nine-week period. This research utilizes hegemonic masculinity and heteronormativity as its core theoretical framework. Connells concept of hegemonic masculinity ([1995] 2005) suggests that certain masculine practices are culturally exalted, maintaining the dominance of men and the subordination of women. Specifically, hegemonic conceptualization of masculinity can be demonstrated in the following four aspects: (1) conceptualization of ideal type men, (2) the active ranking of self and other men in relation to ideal type, (3) the support of subordination of women, and (4) the support of subordination of any femininity expressed by men. This framework is instrumental in understanding how men, through their actions and interactions, reinforce or challenge traditional gender norms within cross-gender friendships. Additionally, Judith Butlers (1990) ideas on heteronormativity are employed to examine how societal norms regarding heterosexuality and gender roles shape these friendships. The research employs an ethnographic approach, conducted over a nine-week period among middle-class Chinese international students in Canada. This method involves participant observation and digital ethnography, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of the social dynamics in different settings. Participant observation was carried out in both public and private settings, capturing a range of interactions among these students. Digital ethnography complemented this by analyzing online interactions and social media behaviors, providing insights into how masculinity is expressed and perceived in digital contexts. The studys primary argument revolves around the idea that hegemonic masculinity manifests distinctively in cross-gender friendships. It was observed that men in cross-gender friendships often engage in manhood acts (Schrock and Schwalbe, 2009) to assert their knowledge and superiority. This phenomenon was evident in men teaching their women friends new concepts or showcasing their learning, subtly reinforcing their authority. These interactions reflect a nuanced performance of hegemonic masculinity, where men assert their status and knowledge, subtly objectifying women without overt dominance. Another significant finding is the mens approach to their romantic partners in cross-gender social settings. The men would often bring their girlfriends to social events, subtly asserting dominance by relegating domestic chores to them, thus reinforcing traditional gender roles. Despite projecting an egalitarian image, these behaviors subtly underscore men’s privilege and the subordination of women. This pattern aligns with Lamont’s (2014) concept of egalitarian narratives used by men to uphold a façade of gender equality while maintaining traditional gender hierarchies. Interestingly, the dynamics shift in dyadic settings where emotional intimacy and self-disclosure are more prominent. In these one-to-one interactions, men displayed more vulnerability and openness to women, deviating from the traditional scripts of hegemonic masculinity. This finding suggests that the influence of hegemonic masculinity may be less rigid in private, intimate settings, allowing for a broader range of emotional expressions. The paper concludes that while there are signs of progressive change in men’s emotional expressiveness in same-gender friendships, cross-gender friendships continue to be influenced by hegemonic masculinity and heteronormative ideals. This research contributes to the sociological understanding of masculinity, highlighting the complexities and contradictions within cross-gender friendships. It also underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of how gender norms and societal expectations shape interpersonal relationships.

This paper will be presented at the following session: