What does the term hegemonic masculinity refer to in the context of sports?

What does the term hegemonic masculinity refer to in the context of sports?

• A. Economic dominance
• B. Legal controls over sport
• C. Dominant masculine norms in society
• D. Gender-neutral policies

Answer: (C)

Hegemonic masculinity refers to the culturally dominant ideal of manhood that upholds male power and maintains gender hierarchies. In sports, this shows up as expectations of toughness, aggression, physical dominance, and stoicism, along with norms around heterosexuality and competition. These shared standards shape who is celebrated, who gets leadership roles, and who is marginalized within sport cultures. That’s why it captures the concept best: it’s about the prevailing masculine norms in society, not about money or laws, and not about policies that aim to be gender-neutral.

Hegemonic masculinity refers to the culturally dominant ideal of manhood that upholds male power and maintains gender hierarchies. In sports, this shows up as expectations of toughness, aggression, physical dominance, and stoicism, along with norms around heterosexuality and competition. These shared standards shape who is celebrated, who gets leadership roles, and who is marginalized within sport cultures. That’s why it captures the concept best: it’s about the prevailing masculine norms in society, not about money or laws, and not about policies that aim to be gender-neutral.