Maskulinfelles

Maskulinfelles is a sociological concept used to describe the shared norms, values, and expectations that constitute masculinity within a given culture or social group. It refers to the social fabric that governs how men are expected to think, feel, dress, and act, and how these expectations are reproduced across institutions and social interactions. The term emphasizes the collective nature of masculine norms, rather than focusing solely on individual identities.

Origin and usage: The word combines maskulin (masculine) and felles (common or shared) in Norwegian, and is used in Scandinavian gender discourse. It is related to, but distinct from, broader concepts such as hegemonic masculinity, gender norms, or masculinities research, which may analyze power relations, hierarchy, and intersectionality between gender, race, class, and sexuality.

Applications: Researchers examine maskulinfelles in family life, education, the workplace, sports, media, and political life, assessing how expectations of toughness, provision, emotional restraint, or leadership influence behavior, policy, and equality initiatives. It helps explain why certain masculine norms persist and how they can be challenged or transformed through education, policy, and representation.

Criticism and variation: Critics warn against essentializing all men or reducing diversity to a single norm. In practice, maskulinfelles varies across cultures, subcultures, and historical periods, and intersects with other identities. Proponents argue that the concept helps map structural factors shaping gender relations and can inform efforts to promote healthier, more inclusive conceptions of masculinity.