Open AccessA meta-synthesis about the study of men’s sexual behavior through the lens of hegemonic masculinity
Author(s) -
Rita Grave,
Teresa Raquel Ferreira Teixeira,
Pedro Teixeira,
António Manuel Marques,
Conceição Nogueira
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
psicologia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.142
H-Index - 2
eISSN - 2183-2471
pISSN - 0874-2049
DOI - 10.17575/psicologia.v34i2.1661
Subject(s) - masculinity , hegemonic masculinity , invisibility , human sexuality , gender studies , hegemony , psychology , thematic analysis , social psychology , sociology , qualitative research , political science , social science , politics , physics , law , optics
The aim of this study is to understand how men experience sexual behavior in relation to dominant masculine norms in heteronormative social organizations. After a systematic search and a careful study selection process, we analyzed 15 scientific qualitative studies on men's sexual practices that draw on hegemonic masculinity. We then carried out a thematic synthesis of the results that collectively covered 438 male narratives ranging in age from 11 to 71. The results include (hetero)sex as a signifier of manhood, male sexual collectivity; sexual hierarchies; sexual risk; and the invisibility of sexual diversity. This meta-synthesis emphasizes the complex relationship between male sexuality and the influence of hegemonic masculinity, revealing important health and well-being effects on men. Also, this highlights a dynamic relationship that affects not only men but also their partners in sexual relationships.