Publication Date: 2024/12/07
Abstract: Internet memes have become a pervasive cultural phenomenon, shaping and reflecting public discourses on various societal issues, including gender norms. This paper explores how memes on social media construct, challenge, and reinforce conceptions of masculinity, providing insights into their role as digital artifacts in gender discourse. Drawing on qualitative methods, the study analyzes memes from platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter, employing thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns related to masculinity, including "toxic masculinity," "vulnerable masculinity," and "satirical masculinity." Anchored in theories of gender performativity (Butler, 1990) and intersectionality (Crenshaw, 1989), the analysis reveals how memes function as sites of both reinforcement and resistance to traditional masculine ideals. Memes often amplify hegemonic notions of masculinity—characterized by strength, stoicism, and dominance—while simultaneously providing spaces for critique and counter-narratives that challenge these norms. Furthermore, the study highlights the intersectional dimensions of masculinity in memes, examining how race, class, and sexuality intersect with digital portrayals of manhood. The findings underscore the dual role of memes in perpetuating and subverting gendered expectations, emphasizing their significance as informal tools of socialization and identity formation. This study contributes to the broader discourse on gender in digital media, offering recommendations for fostering inclusive and diverse portrayals of masculinity in online spaces.
Keywords: No Keywords Available
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14292484
PDF: https://ijirst.demo4.arinfotech.co/assets/upload/files/IJISRT24NOV1663.pdf
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