Hegemonic Masculinity and Subjugated Femininity: Deconstructing the Binary

Many social theories, particularly in the field of gender studies, posit that masculinity is hegemonic, whilst femininity is subjugated. Such theories lead audiences to believe that femininity is always lesser than masculinity, lacking hegemonic power. However, whilst even the most powerful of femininities, such as normative white femininity, will never occupy a hegemonic apex, the gender hierarchy certainly privileges this femininity over not only others, but also alternative forms of masculinity, which exist outside of the hegemonic realm. As such, while it can be said that femininity is not hegemonic, to say that femininity does not have hegemonic features would be irresponsible, especially when one considers intersectionality.