The contemporary political subject in the debate on new masculinities

Abstract

Currently, the debate surrounding patriarchy has led to the proposal of concepts that can address traditional hegemonic masculinity and its serious problems, with the aim of building a more just society. One such concept is that of “new masculinities.” However, this concept has not been free from criticism, both from individuals with hegemonic masculinity, left-wing movements and various feminisms. Some critics argue that new masculinities are merely attacks on male identity, while others maintain that they are not a good strategy for confronting patriarchal oppression. In this context and in response to various criticisms, we propose that new masculinities, as an ethical-political commitment, are indeed an appropriate response to the crisis of traditional masculinity. In recent times, traditional masculinity has shown several contradictions and shortcomings, collapsing under its own normative weight; in contrast, new masculinities have much to offer (both to men and women) and are a possible path toward the constitution of new political subjects based on identity equality, through which more just societies can be formed.