The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

Joel Abdelmoez, PhD Student

Joel Wiklund Abdelmoez Ahmed

Affiliated researcher

Joel Abdelmoez, PhD Student

Masculinity Studies in the Middle East and North Africa

Author

  • Joel W. Abdelmoez
  • Yahia Saleh

Editor

  • Lia Roberts

Summary, in English

Masculinity studies – sometimes called men’s studies, or studies on men and masculinities – is an interdisciplinary field of studies that critically examines the social, cultural, and historical constructions of masculinities. Scholars in this field often seek to deconstruct traditional notions of masculinity and explore how they intersect with issues of power, identity, and social norms. The field covers diverse topics such as the impact of media representations on gender performance and masculine ideals, the influence of socioeconomic factors on men's experiences, and the evolving roles of men in contemporary society. By challenging stereotypes and fostering a nuanced understanding of masculinities – often pluralized to indicate that there is not a one unified mode of masculinity – scholars in this field contribute to broader conversations on gender equality and societal transformation. In the context of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), studies on men and masculinities have rapidly grown in popularity in the 21st century, particularly since the uprisings of 2010-2011, with similar focus on issues such as gender relations, power, societal transformations, identity, and norms. Masculinity studies scholars working on the MENA region are also often motivated by a desire to counter dominant narratives and stereotypical representations of Middle Eastern men in general, and Muslim men in particular.
This entry begins by outlining the development of the field outside of the MENA context and its introduction and application in the MENA context. It then gives an overview of key theories and concepts of the field, as well as their critiques and adaptations by scholars of the Middle East and North Africa. Lastly, this entry details some key areas of focus and limitations, with particular attention paid to the use of masculinity studies to understand political mobilization in the region.

Department/s

  • Department of Political Science
  • Centre for Advanced Middle Eastern Studies (CMES)
  • MECW: The Middle East in the Contemporary World

Publishing year

2025-09

Language

English

Publication/Series

SAGE International Encyclopedia of Politics and Gender

Document type

Book chapter

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Topic

  • Political Science (excluding Peace and Conflict Studies)
  • Gender Studies

Keywords

  • men and masculinities
  • gender politics
  • Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
  • Arab Spring

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISBN: 9781071918487